1/8 Reform of the Mental Health Act is long overdue. In 2018 Labour called for the full recommendations from Sir Simon Wessley’s @WesselyS review to be implemented and we will continue to push for full reform. 
  https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/13/mental-health-act-reforms-black-people-sectioned

2/8 But it is welcome to see the reforms announced today that take the first steps to bring the Mental Health Act up to date.

3/8 It is an important step that Learning Disability or Autism will no longer be grounds for detention under the Act and that there is a commitment to address the high numbers of Black people sectioned under the Act. Labour have long campaigned on these issues.

4/8 Tackling systemic problems with mental health services, including improving access to services, will need much wider reform. Labour will continue to push for this. Covid has shone a light on extreme pressure on nation’s mental health with people struggling to access support.

5/8 In the months following last year’s long term lockdown 19.6 million antidepressants were prescribed - a 4 per cent increase on the same period in 2019. These were prescribed to more than 6 million people in England the highest figure on record.

6/8 The number of people drinking heavily increased over this year, and the impact of addiction on children and family members during lockdown will be immense. I will continue to work with @NacoaUK and others on this.

7/8 Children will have spent months out of school, isolated from their friends and support networks, taking a toll on their mental health.

For years we’ve been pushing for better care & supper for children and young people. CAMHS needs fully funding and beds made available.

8/8 As @DrRosena says NHS and social care staff under incredible pressure. Today we hear of staff with PTSD.
 
So reform long overdue. To deal with covid impact, we need mental health services fully resourced, open and able to respond to people’s needs through this lockdown.