It’s time to take action to turn around the nation’s declining mental health, Centre for Mental Health chief executive Andy Bell said today.
Responding to the report of the independent review led by Professor Peter Fonagy, Andy Bell said:
“There is no longer any doubt about the rising prevalence of mental ill health in England, or its impact on people’s lives. So it’s time to take effective action to turn it around.
“The report contains a clear message to the Government and to us all. More people, and young people especially, are experiencing mental distress and ill health. Too little is being done to prevent mental ill health, despite a wealth of evidence about what works. Too many people are made to wait too long for support, and in that time they become more unwell, with devastating impacts on their lives. And health services still treat people for one condition at a time, when for many people mental health difficulties exist alongside other problems. The report is clear that the system is making the situation worse for people, and we must not blame them for seeking answers to the distress they experience. Major change is needed, starting today.
“The report makes clear that rising rates of mental distress do not have a single cause. It’s the result of a toxic mix of risks that have affected children and young people most strongly, coupled with inadequate investment in mental health support. That means we need to tackle rising mental distress systemically: tackling the wide range of stressors that are doing harm and putting in place better and faster support where and when it’s needed.
“The report states that there must be a bigger focus on preventing mental health problems. That means investing in public mental health interventions that work, like evidence-based parenting support, and a whole school approach to mental health. And it means placing mental wellbeing at the heart of all government policies, for example tackling poverty and racism, and making social media platforms ‘safer by design’, not just putting blanket restrictions on access for children. Our mental health cannot and must not be left to chance any longer.
“The report says that support must be available more quickly when people need it, and not depend on getting a clinical diagnosis. That means putting in place access and waiting time standards for mental health services, backed up with investment in essential services to close the gap. And it means expanding early support hubs for young people, offering help and support without the need for a referral or appointment, in every community. The report recommends increased use of digital and AI tools, some of which show promise, but we must avoid them being seen as a fix-all solution.
“The report urges services to join up, so that people’s needs are met holistically. We know that too many people are left without the right help because services are designed to do one thing at a time. This is vitally important for neurodivergent people, who are too often turned away from mental health services or don’t find them helpful because they are not adapted to their needs.
“The Government has a golden opportunity with its promise of a new mental health strategy to put the report’s recommendations into practice. The report is also a call to action for local government, the NHS, business and civil society to do their part to turn around the nation’s mental health.”
