Thursday 2 February 2017

On #TimetoTalk day have a conversation and address the future for mental health in our NHS

In early January, the government set out its plan for tackling mental health issues. On mental health this government has 1,400 more people accessing mental health services every day in comparison to 2010, with plans for 1 million more people with mental health conditions to access services by 2020. We have acknowledged the recommendations of Independent Taskforce on Mental Health which will consequently see mental health spending increase by £1 billion annually by 2020. We need to go further and there are detailed plans. In schools; every secondary school to train someone in mental health first aid. In the workplace; a new partnership with employers to support mental health. The government will also continue to invest £15 million in places of safety for those in crisis following the successful start to the programme in the last parliament; expansion of digital mental health provision and an updated comprehensive suicide prevention strategy. These policies are a great step forward in tackling mental health issues.
But most of all on time to talk day, have a conversation about mental health. It could change someone's life.