New investment in mental health services announced

The Department of Health has confirmed that an additional one billion pounds will be invested in mental health services by 2021.

Aimed at ensuring one million more people receive the mental health support they need, the investment will specifically focus on delivering better support for 70,000 more children and young people, as well as 30,000 more new and expectant mothers.

Key priorities include bringing to an end the practice of sending people out of their local area for acute inpatient care and a commitment to reducing suicide numbers by ten percent, while also increasing access to talking therapies to reach 25 percent of those who need this support.

Additionally, the funding is intended to help ensure all acute hospitals have mental health services in emergency departments for people of all ages.

Health secretary Jeremy Hunt said: "Our shared vision of a seven-day mental health service means people will get the care they need, when they need it, and will help prevent mental illness in the first place."

The NHS budget included a record 11.7 billion pounds to spend on mental health care last year.