Legal News

Labour leader Ed Miliband is to pledge an end to neglect in children’s mental health services in the UK, if Labour wins the May General Election.

BBC News reports that Mr Miliband’s visit to a mental health group in Enfield, north London will launch a report by an independent taskforce he set up in 2012 to devise a strategic plan for mental health in society.

In the run up to the General Election, all three main political parties have pledged to place mental health at the centre of NHS healthcare – despite swingeing budget cuts being made to mental health services.

Mr Miliband’s mental health taskforce is led by the chairman of Barts Health NHS Trust, Sir Stephen O'Brien.

Mr Miliband said:

“Taking action to improve mental health is essential if we are to thrive as a nation and ensure the NHS remains sustainable.”

Labour intends to prioritise child mental health by increasing the proportion of the mental health budget spent on children’s mental health services.

In the last year, some child mental health charities have said services for youngsters with mental health conditions are being stretched to breaking point.

Mr Miliband’s mental health taskforce will recommend improved waiting times for talking therapies – and access to a counsellor for all school pupils. Mr Miliband has also said all teachers should be trained in child mental health to enable them to recognise when a child has a mental health condition.

“The timing and approach will need to ensure the savings are achieved to cover the costs of making these changes,” Mr Miliband said.

Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors

Duncan Lewis is the UK’s largest provider of Legal Aid mental health services – and can advise mental health patients on issues such as access to NHS services and detention under the Mental Health Act.

In some cases, Duncan Lewis may be able to advise the Nearest Relative or carer of a mental health patient on treatment issues, including initiating a treatment review, where appropriate.

For expert legal advice on mental health law, call the Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors’ Helpline on 0203 114 1124.