Bishop Moth welcomes Government’s pledge to improve mental health services

The lead bishop for mental health, Bishop Richard Moth, has welcomed the Government’s plans to prioritise and promote well-being and mental health in communities, schools and workplaces.

In a speech delivered 9th. January at the annual Charity Commission lecture, Prime Minister Theresa May announced a package of new measures to support people with mental health problems, particularly young people. 

Figures show mental illness disproportionately affects the young and those on lower and middle incomes. Over half of mental health problems start by the age of 14 and 75 per cent by 18.

Included in the Government’s plans are  “mental health first aid training” for teachers in all secondary schools, a partnership with employers to improve support in the workplace, and extra funding for community-based care and online mental health projects. 

“I want to see mental health addressed not just in our hospitals, but in our classrooms and communities”, wrote May in a blog for the Huffington Post announcing the new measures.

“I want to see the stigma stripped away so that no-one in this country feels unable to talk about what they’re going through or seek help.”

Bishop Moth said: “I am delighted that the Prime Minister has promised to tackle the social stigma attached to mental ill-health and has made improving mental health support a priority for her government. 

“Properly resourced services are essential for our society, yet far too many people still do not receive the support they urgently need.”

One in 4 people has a common mental disorder at any one time and the economic and social cost of mental illness is £105 billion – similar to the entire annual NHS budget.