Investment in mental health is long overdue, says chairman of Mental Health Partnership Board

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Jim Battle

NHS England has published its major transformation programme for mental health care and is promising up to £1bn a year of new funding by 2020/21.

Jim Battle, Chairman of the Greater Manchester Mental Health Partnership Board, said: “This investment is long overdue. Mental health services have been at breaking point for far too long.

"It is under-funded, under-valued and unresponsive, putting vulnerable people, particularly children and young people, at risk.

“While this funding is of course welcome, I urge health leaders to work with us here in Greater Manchester to drive forward lasting improvements to these vital services, ensuring local people get a fair share of this new investment.

“The devolution of health and social care in Greater Manchester has provided us with a unique opportunity to shape services to meet the needs of local people, and we are already committed to transforming mental health services, focusing on early intervention and prevention.

"We have proven we are capable, but we need adequate funding and resources if we are to make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of our residents.”