PM launches new mission to put prevention at the top of the mental health agenda
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Package of support will overhaul approach to preventing mental
illness, building on record investment in mental health
services New measures will equip schools, social workers,
local authorities and healthcare services to promote resilience and
identify those in need Plans will fast track action to stamp out
unequal access to mental health services Every new
teacher will be trained in how to spot the signs of mental...Request free trial
Every new teacher will be trained in how to
spot the signs of mental health issues, under a new prevention
plan unveiled by the Prime Minister today (Monday 17
June).
Theresa May will pledge better access to
education, training and support across communities as part of an
overhaul of society’s approach to mental illness.
The wide-ranging package of measures will make
sure people have the confidence and skills they need to identify
mental health issues before they become critical, particularly in
young people.
Today’s announcement means schools, social
workers, local authorities and healthcare services will receive
extra support to make sure people know how to promote good mental
health in the same way that they look after physical wellbeing.
These measures include:
Today the Prime Minister will visit a school
in South West London to meet with pupils learning about the
importance of developing healthy habits for life-long good mental
health.
Prime Minister Theresa May said:
“Too many of us have seen first-hand
the devastating consequences of mental illness, which is why
tackling this burning injustice has always been a personal
priority for me.
“But we should never accept a rise in
mental health problems as inevitable.
“It’s time to rethink how we tackle
this issue, which is why I believe the next great revolution in
mental health should be in prevention.
“The measures we’ve launched today
will make sure at every stage of life, for people of all
backgrounds, preventing mental illness gets the urgent attention
it deserves.”
Further plans to drive a step-change in public
awareness around looking after your mental health include a new
national awareness campaign called Every Mind Matters, launching
in October.
From 2020 parents will also get access through
the campaign to targeted advice on how to deal with issues like
stress, online bullying and self-harm.
Vulnerable people are known to be at greater
risk of mental illness, including those who face financial
difficulties such as problem debt. Government will launch a new
breathing space scheme to provide respite from debt collection
while people seek support to help prevent the onset of mental
health problems - with special access for those receiving crisis
treatment.
As part of this prevention agenda, the Prime
Minister has also announced:
Today’s package of changes will also fast
track action against undignified and unequal treatment for those
in mental crisis – including by committing to overhaul the Mental
Health Act to make it fit for modern society.
This legislation will include banning once and
for all the use of police cells as a place to detain people
experiencing mental illness, following the Prime Minister’s work
to stamp out this practice in the treatment of under-18s.
Today she has also confirmed that a White
Paper will be published before the end of the year in response to
Sir Simon Wessely’s review of the Mental Health Act, setting out
the steps taken to tackle unequal treatment faced by ethnic
minority groups.
Professor Sir Simon Wessely, Chair,
Independent Review of the Mental Health Act,
said:
“Theresa May deserves credit for drawing
attention to those with the most severe mental illnesses yet who
are the most overlooked.
“The recommendations of the review of mental
health legislation that she commissioned have been warmly
welcomed from all sides but now need to be acted on.
“Today’s announcements are a further welcome
step towards that goal.”
Paul Farmer, Chief Executive of Mind,
the mental health charity, 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.”
Professor Wendy Burn, President
of the Royal College of Psychiatrists
said:
"We strongly welcome today’s announcements
from the Prime Minister. Her commitment to parity of esteem for
mental health will lead to better care for people with a mental
illness.
“We fully support the need for a greater investment in prevention so that people can live happier, healthier and more independent lives. “The Independent Review of the Mental Health Act was an important step in making sure that people get the support and care they need when they are at their most vulnerable. It is good to see the start of the implementation of the recommendations from the review particularly in the area of equality. “But success will depend on continued commitment from future prime ministers to drive sustained investment and improvement across government departments.”
The new measures launched today will build on
the largest expansion of mental health services in a generation
under the NHS Long-Term Plan.
Today marks one year since the Prime Minister
announced a record £33.9 billion a year cash funding boost for
the health service, including £2.3 billion more a year in real
terms on mental health care to support an extra 345,000 children,
at least 380,000 more adults with common mental illnesses,
370,000 adults with serious mental illnesses, and 24,000
more new and expectant mothers. The plan will make sure that
funding for mental health services will grow as a share of the
NHS budget.
Notes to
editors:
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