Wednesday 13 May 2015

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

40 comments:

  1. Nice to get a quick and considered response - I hope that they do put the money and these ideas into action.

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    1. I was shocked to get a reply I must admit. Fingers crossed

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  2. Fingers crossed this is actually true...we shall see! :D

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  3. Glad to hear this and I hope they follow through on what they're saying. There have been huge cuts to mental health services in recent years, specially for young people, as I'm sure you know. I really hope this can be rectified.....Good on you for writing (and them for replying too).

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    1. Too many cuts have been made I really hope they do as they say but we will need to wait and see

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  4. More needs to be done in the mental health sector and as with any government, time will tell. x

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  5. Lets see the reality in their times of austerity.

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  6. As you say only time will tell. I for one am fearful for the NHS with the conservatives in charge!

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    1. I am also very worried about the NHS. If I am being honest I do not really believe anything a politician has to say until that "promise" has been delivered. I really hope they follow through on this and also leave the NHS alone x

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  7. I'm pleased to hear that you got a response. I hope that these things are put into place and are not just all hot air. I don't really trust these people.

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    1. I was shocked that I got a response. I hope so too and I am with you I dont really trust them! x

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  8. This sounds very positive - nice to see something good about it all.

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  9. Nice you received a response, lets hope they see it through. I'm very afraid for the future after the election results x

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    1. I will admit I am also worried about the future after those results x

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  10. I'm glad you got a reply but hmmm let's see. You have motivated me to write a letter actually to see what they intend on help for autism. Good for you being so proactive.

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    1. Aww thank you. Please do write to them and let me know what they say! I x

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  11. Can't believe they replied so quickly and with positive news too

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    1. I was shocked and I just hope they carry out that promise x

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  12. I am glad you got a reply so quickly x

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  13. well done you for chasing this up and taking the bull by the horns!

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    1. aww thank you! I just hope they follow it through x

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  14. I'm really impressed that they took the time to write - I'll be even more impressed if they do make a difference!

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    1. I am too, I was not expecting a reply. I will be shocked if they make the change x

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  15. I must say I am impressed you got a personalised response in super quick time. Let's hope they deliver.

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  16. Great that you got a quick response but I am unsure that they will actually do anything.

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    1. I will be honest, I dont think they will do anything but I reallllyyy hope they do x

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  17. Wish I could believe that action will be taken - in a good way :(

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    1. I am worried they wont but we need to stay positive x

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  18. Hopefully they will stick to what they have said but I guess only time will tell. It's good that they replied to your concerns, fingers crossed it will all work out.

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  19. Really nice to get a response. Hope they do what they say

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    1. I was very surprised to get a response especially around election time. I hope they do too

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  20. I am so glad you had a response! Fingers crossed. Kaz x

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