Journal of Recovery in Mental Health Vol. 1 No. 1 2017 42 ISSN: 2371-2376 Corresponding Author: Christine Wilson, Hafal, Unit B3, Lakeside Technology Park, Phoenix Way, Llansamlet, Swansea, SA79FE Wales, Email:christine.wilson@hafal.org Hafal: A Prudent Healthcare Approach to User-Led Service in Wales Thomas, Alun 1 Pearce, Matthew 1 Wilson, Christine 1 Hails, Euan 2 Thomas, Phil 1 Dugmore, Andrew 1 Kitt, Frank 1 Celia, Jason 1 1 Hafal 2 S-CAMHS, Aneurin Bevan UHB This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. KEYWORDS Recovery, Mental Health, Wales, Delivery of Health Care Hafal Hafal, which means equal in Welsh, is the principal charitable organization in Wales working with individuals recovering from serious mental illness and their families. Hafal is managed by the people it supports; individuals with serious mental illness and their families. Hafal has over 350 staff and volunteers who together provide help to over 1,000 people affected by serious mental illnesses. This includes schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other diagnoses which typically involve psychosis or high levels of need that may also require hospital treatment. Hafal's mission is founded on the belief that people who have a direct experience of mental illness know best how services can be delivered and formulated. As a member-led organization, Hafal provides support across all seven Local Health Board areas of Wales and is dedicated to empowering people with serious mental illness and their families so they can achieve a better quality of life, fulfill their ambitions for recovery, fight discrimination, and enjoy equal access to health and social care, housing, income, education, and employment. On December 1st 2016 Alun Thomas took on the role as new Chief Executive at Hafal, and he did so at an interesting time. In a verbal presentation to stakeholders he commented: We now have a progressive Welsh mental health law and strategy in place, and patients and carers have gained key new rights in recent years. However, recent figures show that Health Boards in Wales have reduced spending on services; furthermore, a report published by a Welsh Assembly Committee in November 2016 raised serious concerns about services for young people. So while Wales has some