Could 'mindfulness' make Wales a happier place?

Welsh political figures from across the parties will join experts today in calling for more active engagement with 'mindfulness'.

Wales is facing a mental health crisis, with the Welsh NHS estimating that one quarter of us will experience mental health problems or illnesses at some point in our lives.

But a new report by the Mindfulness Initiative - an advocacy project who aim to increase awareness of 'mindfulness' - suggests that the technique could significantly improve people's wellbeing and play a vital role in healthcare, education and the workplace.

Now politicians including Ministers Vaughan Gething and Ken Skates, as well as Shadow Minister for Health Darren Millar, will speak at a Committee this afternoon to raise awareness of its benefits.

What is 'mindfulness'?

The NHS define mindfulness as an increased awareness of the present moment - your own 'thoughts and feelings' and 'the world around you' - which some believe can improve your sense of wellbeing.

The Mindfulness Initiative say the technique is currently already taught in many schools and health authorities in Wales. But they believe the current provision is 'unplanned and patchy', and will today call on Welsh political parties to support the teaching of mindfulness in schools, health authorities and the workplace.