A coalition of charities, think tanks, and staff groups has called on ministers in England to address fundamental issues such as poverty, substandard housing, and air pollution to combat the country’s deteriorating mental health situation. The coalition, which includes organizations like Mind, Rethink Mental Illness, the Royal College of Psychiatrists, Place2Be, and the Children’s Society, has outlined a blueprint for enhancing mental health in a report published by the Centre for Mental Health.
The report emphasizes that sustained action is required due to the impact of COVID-19, austerity measures, and the increasing cost of living, which have led to a surge in mental ill-health cases in recent years. It highlights that 8.2 million people in England now live with at least one mental health condition, including anxiety or depression.
Dr. Sarah Hughes, Chief Executive of Mind, stated, “An unprecedented number of people are struggling with their mental health, and support services in England are on their knees. Record numbers of people are waiting for the treatment they need.”
The report outlines several measures that should be incorporated into a 10-year plan to improve mental health, including:
1. Introducing a new Child Poverty Act with the goal of eradicating child poverty by 2030.
2. Establishing a minimum income guarantee and reforming sick pay.
3. Taking action against factors like junk food, smoking, alcohol, and gambling.
4. Ending “hostile environment” immigration policies.
The coalition of 35 organizations further recommends that any future government subject every policy to a “mental health test” to ensure it contributes to addressing mental ill-health.
Sean Duggan, Chief Executive of the NHS Confederation’s mental health network, stressed the importance of addressing the social determinants of ill-health, stating that “reducing the number of people developing mental health issues in the first place” is key. Duggan also emphasized the need for investment in mental health services to prevent a crisis for the entire NHS.
In response, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care highlighted the government’s efforts to transform mental health services, including an additional annual investment of up to £2.3 billion until 2024 to expand services and provide support to an additional 2 million people.
The government’s major conditions strategy, which will encompass mental health, is expected to incorporate insights from mental health organizations, despite the scrapping of a dedicated mental health strategy earlier this year.
