Campaign reply - Bipolar uk

Thank you for contacting me about bipolar disorder.

Unfortunately, due to urgent parliamentary business, I was unable to attend this debate. However, I appreciate your concern for this issue and how difficult this condition is for people. 

Living through the pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental health of people across our country, including those with bipolar disorder, and I know that the Government is taking steps to improve access to mental health support and services.

As part of the five-year funding settlement agreed in 2019, mental health services will receive an additional £2.3 billion a year in real terms by 2023/24. This funding will enable further service expansion and faster access to community and crisis mental health services for adults, young people and children.

In March 2021, the Government announced that it was expanding its mental health services as part of the Mental Health Recovery Action Plan, supported by £500 million of investment. The Plan aims to respond to the impact of the pandemic on mental health of the public, specifically targeting those who have been most affected, such as young people, frontline staff and those with severe illness. Of this investment, £20 million will be used to intervene early in preventing mental ill-health and reduce suicide risks.

To support the NHS mental health services in the longer term, £111 million will be invested to train the workforce of the future. This will ensure staff are in place to support two million more people access mental health care and treatment by 2023/24.

The Government is also consulting on a new 10-year plan for mental health and well-being and is seeking views from a range of stakeholders, including those with bipolar disorder, on how to improve mental health services and understand the causes of mental ill-health. You can find out more information about the consultation here:  

www.gov.uk/government/consultations/mental-health-and-wellbeing-plan-discussion-paper-and-call-for-evidence

Once again, thank you for taking the time to write. If you require any further assistance, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.