The government is looking for views on priorities for its pledged cross government, 10-year plan for mental health.
Preventing mental ill health, the role of early intervention and how best to promote positive mental wellbeing are among issues covered in the consultation.
It also wants views on the effectiveness of current mental health treatments and how best to support people in crisis.
Young people with experience of mental health problems as well as children’s professionals are among groups the government is keen to gather views from.
The Children and Young People’s Mental Health Coalition said the consultation “is a real opportunity to shape the future of mental health support for babies, children and young people”.
However, it urged ministers to ensure plans are “backed by the funding and action needed”.
We welcome the publication of the Call for Evidence for a new 10 year mental health plan. This is a real opportunity to shape the future of mental health support for babies, children and young people 👇https://t.co/iHys5awJCo
— Children & Young People's Mental Health Coalition (@CYPMentalHealth) April 12, 2022
Meanwhile, Young Minds chief executive Emma Thomas urged the charity’s supporters to take part in the consultation, which is a “critical opportunity to influence and ensure investment in the changes needed” to improve mental health support.
Another mental health organisation, Shout 85258, has also urged its supporters to take part in the consultation “to improve the nation’s mental health”.
Have your say and help inform the @DHSCgovuk's new 10-year plan to improve the nation's mental health. Find out how we will be contributing to the discussion and how you can share your experiences, views and ideas > https://t.co/jIv0ANn0Yv #TalkMentalHealth 💙 https://t.co/OuKGczMpdH
— Shout 85258 (@GiveUsAShout) April 12, 2022
Elsewhere, Rethink Mental Illness chief executive Mark Winstanley said the charity is “delighted” to see the consultation's launch, adding that “the scale of the unfolding mental health crisis demands a cross-government plan”.
But he is concerned that the government’s pledges to improve support may not be enough due to the scale of problems facing people in need of help.
“Sadly, the vision as set out, even accounting for some huge progress recently in transforming community mental health care, is a great distance from the current reality for many people living with mental illness,” he added.
“Anyone who has struggled to access social care, been poorly treated by the welfare system, or is anxious about the unprecedented rise in the cost of living, will know that we have a long way to go.
“And we need to see real improvements in our overwhelmed health and social care system now, alongside this plan for the future.”
The consultation closes on 5 July.
Earlier this week the new president of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services called for a national review to support children’s mental health.
Hampshire County Council and Isle of Wight Council's director of children's services Steve Crocker said “radical reform” is needed to improve access to help for children and young people with mental health issues.
