Charity calls for mental health investment to boost economy

The chancellor of the exchequer should take the opportunity of the budget and spending review on 30 October to announce greater investment in mental health, a charity has said.

Andy Bell, the chief executive of the Centre for Mental Health, said that greater investment in mental health would both save lives and benefit the economy. In a statement, Bell said:

“Our mental health has been getting worse for too long. Mental ill health now costs society and the economy £300bn every year, and government inaction for over a decade has led to rising levels of distress across the country. A million people are waiting for mental health treatment. Half of people with a mental illness cannot afford the basics of life, and early mortality rates are now five times higher than average.

“The government’s first spending review can make a start in turning this around. The chancellor must act now if the government is to achieve its missions to create better health and support more people into work.

Capital funding to modernise the mental health estate

“This must start with prevention. A cross-government mental health plan and policy test would boost the nation’s mental health by ensuring that policies and decisions benefit people’s mental health and prevent harm. Investing in local government to promote mental health in communities can make a big difference.

“The NHS and social services need to be funded sufficiently to meet rising demand for mental health support. Investing in effective mental health care saves lives. We urgently need to invest in earlier help for people’s mental health, and stronger community services for people with a mental illness. And we need capital funding to modernise the mental health estate, with facilities fit for the 21st century.

“The chancellor can take action now to address poverty and its toxic legacy on mental health. Building a fairer benefits system that enables everyone to live with dignity, coupled with the right help for people who are able to work, and workplace rights that protect people’s wellbeing at work, will boost both our mental health and our economy at the same time.

“Rebuilding the nation’s mental health will take time. But it cannot wait. We urge the chancellor to invest in the public’s mental health as a fundamental foundation for a healthier nation and a thriving economy.”