Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of adopting a preventative approach to mental health; and what steps he is taking to support such an approach.

The Government’s 10-Year Health Plan sets out ambitious plans to transform mental health services. We want to promote good mental health and wellbeing for the nation, prevent people from developing mental health problems, and improve the lives of people living with a mental health condition. This includes providing mental health support teams in schools and colleges, improving assertive outreach, investing in mental health emergency departments, and increasing access to evidence-based digital interventions.

Additionally, the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities Regional Public Health team work closely with local councils to become signatories to the Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health. This includes developing local plans to improve mental wellbeing across the life course and to reduce inequalities in mental health, working with partners across the health and care system, as well as schools and employers.

The Government has also recently launched an independent review into prevalence and support for mental health conditions, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and autism. This review will seek to identify opportunities to provide different models of support and pathways, within and beyond the National Health Service, that promote prevention and early intervention.