In October 2020, the Centre for Mental Health published research estimating that about 8.5 million adults and 1.5 million children in England will need support for depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorders and other mental health difficulties in the coming months and years.

Working together to support local people and communities to remain in good mental health is fundamental. By supporting employers to improve the wellbeing of their workforce, tackling poverty and inequalities, and promoting access to nature and green spaces we will help residents to be resilient in the face of a mental health crisis that has been exacerbated firstly as a result of the pandemic, and now as a result of the cost of living crisis and economic uncertainty.

What is Labour doing locally?

• Launching a new mental health strategy which looks at mental and physical health equally, as well as tackling stigma and promoting social inclusion among people recovering from mental health problems.
• Reviewing our mental health services so they can provide rapid help for people, avoid escalation to crisis, and create greater links with local health services and other providers.
• Working with schools and other education settings to support children and young people at risk of experiencing poor mental health as a result of the pandemic.
• Enhancing suicide reduction initiatives in partnership with the Cheshire and Merseyside Suicide Prevention Network to deliver the NO MORE suicide strategy.