Mental health services 'patchy' but under review, PM says
Posted 23 August 2017 - 12:42
Mental health services for young people in the UK are ‘patchy’ but plans to rectify the gaps are already underway, the prime minster has said
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Theresa May said mental health awareness will be built into the National Citizen Service, an activity-based personal and social development programme for 15-17-year-olds in England.
This will include a framework with better access to provide help, Ms May said in an interview with BBC Newsbeat.
Accusations
She also denied accusations by other political parties that there was a big problem with mental health provision nationally.
However, she also insisted the government was not being complacent and revealed that a review of services was already underway.
This is part of a package of measures to transform mental health in schools, workplaces and the community announced in January.
Ms May said: ‘One of the reasons I've made mental health a priority is precisely because I think that there are issues.
‘Over the years we haven't given mental health the same focus in our national health service as other areas.’
Overwhelming demand
A survey published in July by NHS Providers suggested mental health services in England risk being overwhelmed by a combination of rising demand and staff shortages.
In the interview, the prime minister added that thousands of staff will be trained in spotting issues around mental health.
‘Intervening early for young people is important,' Ms May said.
‘That's why one of the things I've been doing is actually looking at the community mental health services for young people and reviewing that across the country because it is patchy.’
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