We ask – will this go far enough?
Andrew Lansley (Health Secretary) announced that there will be £70 million available for people who experience anxiety and depression to have access to psychological therapies.
This is, of course, good news but I am inclined to agree with Paul Farmer – Chief Executive of Charity Mind when he says that mental ill health has suffered a long period of neglect in the government’s eyes and therefore this amount of money will not be enough to address the cumulative problems we now have.
For example, there are people who have been waiting longer than a year to get access to these vital services. Having depression/anxiety for a year is a long time and unfortunately, people are probably more likely to need the services longer to overcome their challenges – meaning less money in the pot for newly diagnosed individuals.
However, any money dedicated to Mental Ill Health is a positive step forward – the government should be applauded for this and at least mental health is back on the agenda.
Let’s hope that the money gets to those in need soon.
