Mark Fletcher has enthusiastically welcomed the Government’s pledge for an additional £79 million boost to mental health services for children and young people. The recognition and action from the Government on the effect that this pandemic has had on the mental health of the youngest in our society is essential, and this funding boost is strongly supported by Mark.
As we reopen society and bounce back from the pandemic it is vital that young people feel fully supported in returning to schools and workplaces after over a year of restrictions on social contact. In Derbyshire we have seen an increase of £15 million invested into mental health services - including £1.7 million more funding for children's mental heal services. The funding will also mean that children who need to can also access support out in the community – as well as providing early intervention.
Mark said
“This has been an incredibly difficult year, especially for our children and young people whose mental health has been massively impacted. The new funding will ensure that nearly three million children across England can access this vital support when and where they need it. The money will go towards creating hundreds more mental health support teams in schools and colleges. I know that the pandemic has taken its toll on all of our mental health over the course of the past year and so I’m proud to be supporting the work that the Government is doing in this area.”
Mark has spoken on multiple occasions in the House of Commons over the last year about the importance of recognising the effect the pandemic has had on mental health, particularly in young people. Mark has repeatedly campaigned to Ministers to make sure sufficient support is in place alongside the lifting of restrictions for the youngest in society who have struggled with isolation throughout lockdown.
