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Responding to the result of the election, Sarah McIntosh, speaking on behalf of Mental Health First Aid England said:
“With 1 in 4 of us experiencing a mental health problem each year, more than 1.9 million people in England currently waiting for mental health care, and suicide rates rising, the new Government must act fast to save lives.
“We look forward to working with the Government on their pledges to deliver:
Reform of the Mental Health Act
Funding to support hubs for young people
“We want to hear more about their commitment to supporting people experiencing poor mental health to thrive at work and what this means in practice. This requires many things, including wider workplace and employment legislation so mental health is treated equally to physical health in the workplace.
“Above all we need empathetic political leadership and a government who puts mental health and suicide prevention high on their agenda. One that understands that investing in mental health training, support, and services for organisations, workplaces and schools will have a positive ripple effect and help to build a mentally healthy nation.
“The Government must urgently work to understand the factors that influence mental ill health and take steps to mitigate them. Poverty, inequality, racism, and injustice must all be tackled to help address the mental health crisis. There should be a particular focus on those at greater risk of poor mental health, and young people, as well as investment in the support services needed to help people manage mental illness and support recovery.
“We urgently need a comprehensive national suicide prevention strategy with clear targets and accountability measures.
“MHFA England will continue to raise our voice, alongside charities, not for profits, social enterprises and public and private sector organisations, to ensure that the Government prioritises the mental health of the nation. The Government has the mandate to create change for those impacted by poor mental health, we hope they act on it.”