All of us have been touched by mental health in one way or another. As a society, we are becoming increasingly aware of our mental wellbeing, which is hugely positive. That said, there is still a long way to go, both in removing stigmas that persist and in ensuring the right support is available when people need it.
Getting this right can be life or death. Far too many families, including my own, experience the loss of a loved one from taking their own life. Many more of us see the terrifying impact of eating disorders, addiction, anxiety, and depression that can impact anyone but are becoming increasingly common in younger generations. As the Minister responsible for bringing about this improvement I know I have my work cut out.
Of course, we’re putting more money in, with mental health spending rising to £2.3 billion a year in real terms by 2023-24. However, we also need to completely reform how we approach mental health looking at it holistically from early interventions right through to clinical treatment processes. This is a priority for the Government, and that is why we’re asking anyone with experience of mental health to have their say on our new 10-year mental health plan. On Tuesday, during the Queen’s Speech, we announced we’ll be bringing forward our draft Mental Health Act Reform Bill. This legislation will put patients at the centre of mental health services; ensuring they have greater control over their treatment and a more personalised level of care.
This week is also Mental Health Awareness Week, which is focusing on the impact of loneliness on mental wellbeing. Over the pandemic, lots of people learned how impactful being alone for long periods can be. That is why this week we’ve released a further £5.4 million to 113 suicide prevention charities as we know how vital their interventions are.
Over the course of this week, please check-in with a loved one, friend, or neighbour to see how they’re doing. Or simply reflect on how you are feeling and what steps you could take to improve your mental health awareness.
