Urgent action needed to address “shameful” failings in young people’s mental health care

The Times has today launched a new manifesto to improve mental health care for children and young people.

The manifesto, produced in partnership with Young Minds and the Royal College of Psychiatrists, calls for better quality crisis care for young people, and for an end to the practice of children being held in police cells. It also says that more funding is needed for early intervention services, and that waiting times should be introduced for talking therapies.

In response, Mark Winstanley, CEO of Rethink Mental Illness said:

"It's scandalous and shameful that so many young people across the country are missing out on the care they urgently need. Every week we hear shocking stories about children being held in police cells, or sent hundreds of miles away from home for care, because the right support isn't available in their own community.

"This has to stop because it's ruining lives. We need to see much greater investment in quality crisis care for young people, and more funding for early intervention services which help young people avoid reaching crisis point in the first place.

"This has to be a top priority for whoever forms the next Government – failing to act will continue to put young people at risk."

ENDS

For more information, please contact Brian Semple, Media Manager for Rethink Mental Illness, on 0207 840 3043 or brian.semple@rethink.org

Notes to editors

Rethink Mental Illness is a charity that believes a better life is possible for millions of people affected by mental illness.

For over 40 years we have brought people together to support each other. We run services and support groups that change people's lives and challenge attitudes about mental illness.

We directly support almost 60,000 people every year across England to get through crises, to live independently and to realise they are not alone.

We give information and advice to 500,000 more and we change policy for millions.

For more information go to www.rethink.org