Mind responds to Theresa May’s announcement of raft of mental health measures
The prime minister has today revealed a series of mental health policies as she prepares to step down from office. The initiatives include:
- A White Paper on the review of the Mental Health Act and an end to the use of police cells for people in mental health crisis
- Training for teachers to spot early signs of mental health problems and statutory guidance on schools’ role in protecting students’ mental health
- Support for school mental health leads working with young people experiencing suicidal thoughts and self-harm
- Suicide prevention training to be made available to all NHS staff and funding for local authorities to implement suicide prevention plans
- Independent audits of NHS mental health investment
- Giving people a break from debt collection if they are also seeking help for a mental health problem, particularly for those in mental health crisis
Responding to the announcement, Paul Farmer, Chief Executive of Mind, said:
“We welcome the sustained momentum from the Prime Minister and government to improving support for people with mental health problems.
“It’s particularly positive to see such priority given to young people’s mental health – our recent work in schools has shown us the true scale of the need and, as most mental health problems start in childhood, decent support as early as possible is key.
“We also welcome progress on the Mental Health Act review.
“Finally, it’s encouraging to see government acknowledge the enormous impact that financial problems can have on mental health, and recognition that improving the wellbeing of the nation is about more than getting NHS services right alone.”
