Investing in mental health hubs ‘must be one of many steps’

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) announced on Tuesday (February 27) that it will provide £3 million to increase the number of early support hubs in England from 10 to 24.

“As demand continues to rise, this must be one of many steps”

Stefan Jones

Through these hubs, children and young people can receive mental health care such as counselling, psychological therapy, specialist advice, group work and referral to other services.

They can be accessed without a referral from a doctor or school and can also be used to provide advice and help on topics such as sexual health, exams, jobs, drugs, alcohol or financial concerns.

The latest funding adds to a £4.92 million investment announced in October, meaning almost £8 million has been provided across its 24 hubs across the country.

The government said it hoped the money would help ease pressure on overstretched NHS services.

Stephen Jones, head of nursing practice at the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and professional lead for mental health, welcomed the announcement but called on the government to go further.

“The RCN has repeatedly urged the Government to invest in early mental health interventions and we are pleased that these calls are being recognized with additional funding for early support centres. But as demand continues to rise, this must be one of many steps,” he said.

“Across England’s NHS mental health services, there are more than 13,000 unfilled nursing posts, accounting for almost one in three nursing vacancies.

“These types of shortages impact the practice, leaving staff unable to meet the needs of all patients experiencing a mental health crisis.”

Mr Jones said there needs to be more funding, such as the £3 million announcement this week, and warned ministers not to become “complacent”.

Saffron Cordery, deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, similarly said: “Any additional support and early intervention is welcome, but mental health needs to be more of a national priority, backed by adequate funding and support, to improve the quality and access to improve services.

“Too many children and young people and their families face long waits for mental health and community health services that are vital to their well-being and development.”

Ms Cordery said demand for mental health care was at a “record high” and pointed to long waiting lists that needed to be addressed.

“Trusts want people to get the best possible care [and] this will require more long-term government support for mental health,” she said.

“For years, mental health services have been deprived of adequate capital investment that is essential to provide high-quality care in the right environments for the well-being of patients and staff.

“We need a more joined-up, cross-government approach with an equal national focus on community and mental health to support children and young people as early as possible.”

Mental Health Minister Maria Caulfield said these funding increases were part of the government’s “long-term plan” to improve support.

“No child or young person should suffer alone, and this additional funding for 24 mental health centers will improve access and bring in more staff and experts who can help those who need it most,” she said.

“This will build on the brilliant work they are already doing, and support our ongoing work to ensure everyone has access to the highest quality mental health care.”