28.10.2014
Freedom of Information requests revealed that around £40 million is being spent by local councils on mental health issues, a figure much lower than the £160 million spent on stop-smoking campaigns and services and the £108 million dedicated to anti-obesity initiatives.
Mind found that six of the 86 local authorities that responded to the FoI request do not have a dedicated mental health spending plan in place.
Paul Farmer, chief executive of Mind, explained that more investment is needed in mental health services, particularly when vulnerable groups, such as young people, those who are isolated or those suffered from long-term physical health problems, are concerned.
He explained: “With demand for mental health services increasing, anti-depressants on the up and more people accessing talking therapies, we are beginning to see the scale of the unmet need for mental health services in England.
“As a society, we must start looking at what we can do to help prevent people from developing mental health problems in the first place.”
The FoI requests indicated that local authorities are preparing to spend an average of 1.36 per cent of the public health budget on mental health prevention this financial year.
Mind Claims There Is Unmet Demand For Mental Health Services
Mental health charity Mind has revealed local authorities are spending an “unacceptably low” amount of money on mental health services, when compared to the investment in physical health budgets.Freedom of Information requests revealed that around £40 million is being spent by local councils on mental health issues, a figure much lower than the £160 million spent on stop-smoking campaigns and services and the £108 million dedicated to anti-obesity initiatives.
Mind found that six of the 86 local authorities that responded to the FoI request do not have a dedicated mental health spending plan in place.
Paul Farmer, chief executive of Mind, explained that more investment is needed in mental health services, particularly when vulnerable groups, such as young people, those who are isolated or those suffered from long-term physical health problems, are concerned.
He explained: “With demand for mental health services increasing, anti-depressants on the up and more people accessing talking therapies, we are beginning to see the scale of the unmet need for mental health services in England.
“As a society, we must start looking at what we can do to help prevent people from developing mental health problems in the first place.”
The FoI requests indicated that local authorities are preparing to spend an average of 1.36 per cent of the public health budget on mental health prevention this financial year.
If you or a loved one has suffered due to professional or clinical negligence from a mental health practitioner, or at worst your loved one has died, we can help you to claim compensation. Visit our Mental Health Negligence Claims page for more information.
Expert Opinion
The research conducted by Mind is the latest in a long line of studies that have highlighted the need for increased investment in mental health services in England. A lack of support for those suffering from mental health problems is extremely worrying and it is vital more is done to provide patients with access to the help they need. <br/> <br/>“We hope the latest research is taken into account and investigations are carried out to identify measures that can be implemented to improve funding for mental health care. All too often we see the devastating impact a lack of help and support for those suffering with mental health issues can have, which may be avoided if investment is increased in the area and clear plans are implemented.” Tom Fletcher - Partner
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