The Government's Plans

When the Conservatives won the election, I decided to email them to ask if they planned to put more money in to fund mental health services across the UK.  When I sent the email, I did not expect a reply so when one arrived earlier today I was rather surprised and thought it was only right to share their plans and can only hope they follow through on their plans.

Dear Ms Hamilton,

I am writing on behalf of the Chairman’s Office, who has asked me to thank you for your recent email.

It is good of you to get in touch and make us aware of your thoughts. It is appreciated and I will be sure to pass your comments on to the Chairman and Conservative Research Department.

A mental health crisis can be distressing for the individual affected and all those involved. That’s why we want to ensure that people receive the right support when they need it most.

Our long-term economic plan means we have been able to increase the NHS budget by £12.7 billion this Parliament. This means we have been able to put £450 million into improving access to psychological therapies so that more people are able to access treatment. We are working to improve mental health crisis care through the Crisis Care Concordat and we’ve also changed the law so improving mental health is given the same priority as treatment for physical health.

We are improving the way we treat mental health ensuring that if people need treatment, they will get only the highest standards of care.

• We are taking action across the country and across organisations to make sure those with mental health problems are receiving the emergency care they need. In February 2014 we announced a new agreement between the police and the NHS called the Crisis Care Concordat. This agreement has been signed by more than 20 organisations to drive up standards of care for people experiencing crises like suicidal thoughts or significant anxiety.

• We are getting more people suffering a mental health crisis to somewhere they can get medical help – rather than a police station. Between 2012/13 and 2013/14 there was a 24 per cent reduction in people sectioned under the Mental Health Act being taken to police stations. The Crisis Care Concordat challenges its signatories to ensure health-based places of care and beds are available 24/7 in case of need.

• Working with different communities to make sure their needs are met. Figures suggest people from ethnic minorities are detained more frequently under the Mental Health Act. The Concordat says this must be addressed by local services working with relevant ethnic communities.

• Giving mental health patients a named clinician so they know who is in charge of their care. We are working to give everyone getting mental health treatment a named and accountable clinician. This will mean they get more effective, more personalised and better coordinated care, helping them to access the help they need when they need it.

Thank you, once again, for taking the time and trouble to get in touch.

Yours sincerely,

Mitchell Cohen

Office of the Party Chairmen

Conservative Campaign Headquarters