The move is part of a £1bn package of measures that will include £250m for mental health services in hospital emergency departments, and more than £400m to enable 24/7 treatment in communities as an alternative to hospital.
The government said the £290m investment – which will cover the period up until 2020 – will mean that at least 30,000 more women each year will have access to specialist mental healthcare before and after having their baby.
The money will be used to pay for perinatal classes, new community perinatal teams and more beds in mother and baby units, so mothers with serious mental health problems can get the best support and keep their babies with them.
"Mental illness isn’t contagious," Cameron said.
"There’s nothing to be frightened of. As a country, we need to be far more mature about this. Less hushed tones, less whispering; more frank and open discussion.
"We need to take away that shame, that embarrassment, let people know that they’re not in this alone, that when the clouds descend, they don’t have to suffer silently.
"I want us to be able to say to anyone who is struggling, ‘talk to someone, ask your doctor for help and we will always be there to support you’."
Today's announced investment follows a government pledge last year to spend £1.25bn improving young people's mental health in the period up to 2020 in response to the Future in Mind strategy.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
