Today, we have sent an open letter to the Health Secretary to express our concern about the lack of consideration of non-clinical alternatives to Mental Health Accident and Emergency Units (A&E) in the 10 Year Health Plan for England.

We know that A&E is not the right place for many people in a mental health crisis and we welcome the Government's recognition of that fact. However, we believe that other forms of support have not been fully considered.

We stand ready to offer a non-clinical alternative. In the last year, our out of hours crisis services provided over 43,000 support sessions to people in distress, who may otherwise have ended up in A&E.

We're asking the Secretary to visit our services, speak to the people delivering them, and see the difference they are making to individuals, communities and the health system.

Please read the letter below and if you agree, share to help ensure everyone in a mental health crisis can access the best possible support for their needs.

Read our full letter to the Secretary of State