What we heard at Cardiff MELA 2026
In June, Llais attended Cardiff MELA, Wales' largest multicultural event, which celebrates the rich diversity of communities across Wales through music, arts, culture, food and community engagement. The event brings together people from a wide range of backgrounds and provides an important opportunity to hear directly about the issues that matter most to them.
During the event, we spoke to people about their experiences of health and social care services in Wales. People shared a wide range of experiences, from examples of compassionate, high-quality care to serious concerns about access, communication and fairness.
What we heard
One of the most positive messages we heard was the importance of kindness and feeling listened to.
Many people, including children and young people, spoke about the difference healthcare professionals can make when they take the time to listen, explain things clearly and show compassion. These experiences helped people feel reassured, safe and supported during difficult times.
One young person told us:
“The doctor listens to me when I tell him that I don't feel well or where it hurts and gives me medicine to help me feel better. They were very kind to me”
However, we also heard significant concerns about access to services.
People described difficulties getting GP and dental appointments, long waiting times and challenges accessing the care they need when they need it. Some spoke about feeling they had little choice but to seek private treatment or continue without support.
“No appointments! and I am unable to make an emergency appointment and the system just isn't very helpful when you need to be seen"
Another key theme was the impact of delayed diagnoses and delayed treatment.
Some people described life-changing consequences when conditions were not identified early enough or when concerns were repeatedly dismissed. These experiences highlighted the importance of being listened to and taken seriously from the outset.
A parent told us that they had been back and forth the hospital with their daughter and didn't feel listened to or heard. After 10years of fighting they finally got a diagnosis, but at which point their daughter had lost over half her lung function. They didn't feel like they had anyone to turn to during that time so were really glad to learn about Llais. As a consequence of delayed diagnosis their daughter now has to be tube fed for life and is unable to eat or drink.
We also heard repeatedly about the importance of good communication.
People described how language barriers, unclear information and poor communication between services can create frustration, affect trust and lead to poorer experiences and outcomes. Many felt that communication is one of the most important factors in delivering effective care.
“We have had lots of issues with continuity of care within hospitals and lack of communication leading to delayed diagnosis and a number of ongoing issues. How do things get better? Communication is such a basic thing, and it cuts through everything - we need to get it right!”
Many conversations also focused on fairness and equality.
Some people shared experiences of discrimination, bias or feeling treated differently because of their background, disability, language or ability to advocate for themselves. Others highlighted the importance of ensuring everyone is treated with dignity and respect throughout their care journey.
We also heard concerns about continuity of care and ongoing support.
People described the impact of staff shortages, long waiting lists, lack of follow-up support and inconsistencies between services. Many felt they were left having to repeatedly explain their circumstances or advocate for themselves and their loved ones to access the right support.
Across our conversations, people described a mixed picture of health and social care in Wales. While many valued the commitment and compassion shown by staff, too many experiences were affected by long waits, poor communication and difficulties accessing the support they need.
What matters to people was clear.
They want:
- to be listened to
- to receive timely care
- to have access to clear information
- to experience respectful communication
- and to be treated fairly
The experiences and ideas shared by people at Cardiff MELA reflect key themes within Llais' People's Principles and will help shape our work to influence improvements in health and social care across Wales.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to speak with us at Cardiff MELA. Your experiences help shape the work we do and strengthen our efforts to ensure health and social care services listen to, learn from and respond to the people who use them.