Mental health services must reach those who need it the most

25 Oct 2011
Diane Abbott MP, the Shadow Health Minister, responds to the news that talking therapies for children and teenagers with mental health problems will be provided:

‘At a time when GPs and charities are reporting an increasing number of people struggling with debt and job worries caused by this Tory-led government, it is really important that we do everything we can to ensure that we don’t see a ‘lost generation’ of young people. Improving access to talking therapies is part of the solution.

‘However, whilst it is welcome news that the government is building on the advances that the last Labour government made in improving mental health services, there needs to be more thought into how these resources will actually reach those who need it the most.

‘This NHS is expected to deliver significant savings while undergoing a significant and risky reorganisation. GPs will be expected to commission mental health care, but we know that many of them lack the skills and experience to do this. The Tory-led Government must clearly set out how it will ensure that mental healthcare does not suffer as the NHS faces unprecedented challenges.’

--ENDS--

1) The NHS is internationally recognised as having made huge improvements to mental health services over the last decade, such as increased provision through community care, revolutionising access to talking therapies for those with depression and anxiety, and ensuring early intervention to prevent the development of serious mental health conditions

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