Today, the government published their 10 Year Health Plan titled 'Fit for the Future', with a series of measures impacting mental health and wider system reform.

Responding on behalf of Mental Health Matters, Director of Strategy and Performance, Sonia McGough said:

"The mental health sector has reason to be cautiously optimistic about several of the reforms announced in this plan, directly for mental health. However, we are concerned about the potential disruption that could result from large-scale restructuring of NHS systems.

The commitment to transforming mental health services into 24/7 neighbourhood care models is certainly welcome and could have a profound impact on the wellbeing of the nation. As a voluntary sector organisation, we are often embedded within these neighbourhoods, and we believe voluntary sector partnerships will be crucial in the successful delivery of this model.

As an established and trusted national provider of Employment Advisors in Talking Therapy services, we welcome the government’s expansion of the programme. Especially, the plans to further pilot the integration of employment advisers into neighbourhood health services. This is an approach we have previously advocated for in our engagement with government.

We are also closely monitoring the proposed expansion of Mental Health Emergency Departments (MHEDs). The plan rightly acknowledges that A&E is not the appropriate environment for someone in a mental health crisis and recognises that mental health services have not historically been well integrated into mental health pathways. However, the Safe Haven model that we operate across the South of England, is one that represents best practice in streamlining crisis care, and we will be writing to the Secretary of State in the coming days to share our insights on this successful approach.

We foresee capacity challenges within the NHS in delivering the government’s agenda. Substantial cuts to Integrated Care Boards and their supporting bodies, alongside expectations to reform the way they work and expanding responsibilities, may hinder implementation.

The government has set out a plan. Providers now need to see a clear delivery plan and a commitment to engage with the sector to deliver this ambitious transformation in care."