Shining a light on Mental Health
Our team of specialist solicitors are equipped to assist in all kinds of Mental Health matters for those who need a voice.
You are not Alone
We help our vulnerable clients in a wide range of mental health related matters.
Your Mental Health is our Priority
Our team is led by Mental Health Panel Members whose dedication to their clients and their families is matched only by their legal expertise.
Specialising in Mental Capacity
Our team draws upon its extensive expertise to provide specialist advice and representation in relation to all Mental Capacity matters.
Mental Health Solicitors
Government announced £1bn package for mental health services (12 January 2016)
Date: 12/01/2016
The government has announced a revolution in mental health services, with nearly one £1 billion in investment in mental health.
The Prime Minister said that £290 million of new investment over the next five years will provide mental healthcare for new mothers – and £247m will go to liaison mental health services in emergency departments.
More than £400m will enable 24/7 treatment in communities, as a safe and effective alternative to treating mental health patients in hospital.
As well as targeted support for new mums, the first waiting time targets for teenagers with eating disorders will also be introduced.
The measures have been recommended by NHS England’s independent mental health taskforce, comprising mental health experts chaired by Mind CEO Paul Farmer. The taskforce was set up as part of the NHS plan for the next five years. A report to be published in the coming weeks will also suggest a five-year mental health strategy for the NHS.
Further investment and service expansions will be announced when the mental health taskforce report is published.
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The measures announced build on previous government funding commitments for mental health over the last 12 months – including £150m for young people with eating disorders.
The government has also announced £1.25bn for perinatal and children’s and young people’s mental health services, to enable mental health professionals to intervene earlier and prevent problems escalating.
Figures show one in four people will develop a mental health condition at some point in their life. Among new mothers, one in five may develop a mental health problem around the time of the birth of their child – and around 30,000 more women need specialist services. If untreated, postnatal mental health problems may turn into a lifelong illness, potentially increasing the likelihood of poor outcomes for the mother or her baby.
Through perinatal classes, new community perinatal teams and more beds in mother and baby units, mothers with serious mental health problems can receive support and keep their babies with them, said the government.
Figures show that people with mental health problems are three times more likely to turn up at A&E than those without.
However, not every hospital in the country has the services needed to support them.
The government says every hospital in the country should have liaison mental health services, which will mean specialist staff with training in mental health will be on hand to make sure that patients get the right care for them – and are referred for further support if it is needed.
Duncan Lewis Mental Health Lawyers
Duncan Lewis mental health lawyers are the UK’s largest provider of Legal Aid mental health services.
Our mental health lawyers regularly visit police stations and hospitals to advise on mental health law, including detention under the Mental Health Act – and are available at short notice for appointments nationwide.
In some cases, Duncan Lewis mental health lawyers may be able to advise the Nearest Relative or carer of a mental health patient on mental health law, including access to services and initiating treatment reviews, where appropriate.
For expert legal advice on mental health law, contact the Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors Helpline on 0333 772 0409.