Mental Health

British Prime Minister announced funding commitment worth almost £1 billion (US$1.5 billion) to mental health care in the next five years as part of ‘social reforms agenda’.

By Jenn Loro | Update Date: Jan 12, 2016 10:56 AM EST

In an assertive policy tone, British Prime Minister David Cameron pledged a 'revolution' as he publicly announced his new mental health care plan that would cost taxpayers almost £1 billion (US$1.5 billion).

The objective of his agenda is to provide the needed public health resources in helping teenagers overcome anorexia and mothers who suffer from post-natal depression.

The Conservative leader said that such measures would end the insensitive and inhumane experience of 'shame and embarrassment' long suffered by mental health patients in the UK. In addition, he also called for a more candid and meaningful national discourse on the matter.

"Mental illness isn't contagious. There's nothing to be frightened of. As a country, we need to be far more mature about this. Less hushed tones, less whispering; more frank and open discussion," said PM Cameron as quoted by The Guardian.

According to BBC News, Cameron's mental health care plan is part of Tory-led government's 'all-out assault on poverty' with policy concentration on four main areas of reform: family life, education, equal opportunity, and treatable.

A special task force created by National Health Service (NHS) in England recommended the mental health reforms to the Prime Minister and his Cabinet. The following measures are as follows: (1.) £290 million aid to mothers with mental health problems through support programs such as perinatal sessions, intervention by community teams, additional beds for mothers and babies; (2) £240 million worth of funding in the next five years for emergency mental health services in every hospital; (3) Expansion of mental health services to anorexic teens; (4) £400 million investment in 24/7 crisis resolution and home treatment teams as viable hospital alternatives.

Mental health advocates are positively receptive to the measures outlined by Cameron.

"This is a significant moment for mental health and we are pleased to see the Prime Minister giving it the attention it deserves...Children and young people, pregnant women and new mums, and those in crisis urgently need better services and support," commented NHS independent mental health taskforce chair Paul Farmer as mentioned by Huffington Post.

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