If you’re young, female, in an ethnic minority, have a disability or are in poor health, you are more likely to report lower mental wellbeing. That is the finding of a survey of over 1200 people in Wales.
The research commissioned by Public Health Wales found that these things had more influence on mental wellbeing than people’s access to resources and opportunities.
Only 50 per cent of respondents were satisfied with the opportunities for activities that matter for their mental wellbeing.
People across Wales talked about what helps them feel good and function well, especially physical activity and being outside in nature. Age and gender both made a difference to the types of activity.
Being with family and friends was very important to people, and free time - but only around half of the people surveyed were satisfied with the amount of free time they have.
Public Health Wales will use this information to further inform action for those most in need of support with mental wellbeing.
Emily Van de Venter, Consultant in Health Improvement for Public Health Wales said: “We hope that our Hapus programme will help people find ways of connecting with activities that help them to feel good and function well.”