I recently joined Mind - the mental health charity - for a virtual roundtable to discuss the impact of coronavirus on mental health.
Attended by the Minister for Mental Health, we had the opportunity to hear directly from people’s lived experiences and to hear more on their views about the importance of putting mental health at the heart of the recovery from coronavirus.
Following the meeting, I have written to the Health Secretary to set out five key asks from Mind on priorities for rebuilding mental health following the pandemic:
- Invest in community services - extra investment for local mental health and social care services in England to help people stay well.
- Protect those most at risk - targeted support for groups most at risk of developing mental health problems as a result of the crisis.
- Reform the Mental Health Act - implement the 2018 Independent Review’s recommendations to reform the Mental Health Act.
- Provide a financial safety net - act to prevent people with mental health problems falling into poverty.
- Support children and young people - understand the impact of the pandemic on young people's mental health and put this at the heart of the recovery.
I am pleased to support Mind, and other charitable organisations, that work to improve the mental health of everyone living in Carshalton & Wallington. You can read a copy of my letter to the Health Secretary below.
