We are in the middle of a mental health crisis and free access to immediate, dedicated support is limited.

To protect lives and ensure everyone has the opportunity to live a long, healthy life I am calling for regular funding commitments in the spring and autumn budgets towards the development of wards, services and centres for people aged 18-30 experiencing life-threatening mental ill health.

Why 18-30 year olds? When someone aged 18 and over is admitted to hospital because of mental ill health they are often placed on an Acute Medical Ward without the resources for providing specialist mental health care. This is an ‘in-between age’ where someone may be classed as an adult but still require the specialist care of an adolescent.  

The lack of bespoke provision for people this age in crisis has a startling impact, including loss of life. This crisis is the result of limited funding, but with a bigger government commitment to financial support and practical training for mental health nurses and well-being practitioners we can preserve and protect lives.