MP for Bath, Don Foster has welcomed the announcement of £1.25 billion pounds of new funding for children with mental health problems over the next five years.
The money will be used treating 110,000 more children with mental health issues as well as providing rapid access to treatment for new mothers.
Three children in every classroom have a diagnosable mental health condition, with research showing that if left untreated it could go on to blight their adult lives.
But until now, provision of appropriate care has been insufficient to meet their needs.
The funding will support the introduction of the first ever-waiting time standards for children’s mental health and ensure specialists in children’s talking therapy will be available in every part of the country by 2018.
Commenting, Mr Foster said: “There would be an outcry if a child with diabetes was left to cope without support or treatment. But that is exactly what has been happening with young people’s mental health services.
“By introducing waiting time standards and committing to provide talking therapies for children in every region, this funding will make sure young people in Bath can access the vital treatment and support they need.”
The funding will also extend access to services for children under five and those with autism and learning disabilities.
Care and Support Minister, Norman Lamb, who visited several health organisations in Bath last month with Mr Foster and Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate Steve Bradley.
Steve said: “I am delighted with this investment in what is truly a ground-breaking moment for mental health.
“Mental illness can be devastating for young people and their families, and there is both a moral and an economic case for ensuring they get the best possible care at the right time.”
The funding announced this week will also ensure increased support and treatment for all women experiencing mental health issues during pregnancy or in the months after giving birth.
This will include rapid access to inpatient mother and baby services close to home in cases where the mother is very ill, as well as care from specialist community perinatal mental health teams and access to community-based psychological therapy.
Mr Bradley continued: “This funding will make sure new mothers in Bath will get the treatment and support they need so that in turn they can give their children the best possible start in life.”
