Rachel has welcomed a £1.5 million Government funding boost for local mental health crisis services.
It is part of a £150 million investment in NHS mental health urgent and emergency care services up to April 2025.
£143 million will be used to provide new and improved mental health crisis response infrastructure. This includes schemes such as crisis cafés, houses and hubs in the community.
£7 million will be spent on 100 specialised mental health ambulances to take staff directly to patients in need of emergency care.
It has been confirmed NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care Board will be receiving £1,509,000 for its mental health crisis team and crisis line staff facilities.
Together these projects provide a range of safe and supportive spaces for people experiencing mental health crisis that can act as an alternative to A&E, providing intensive support to people in the community.
Rachel said:
“Having held a mental health roundtable in Redditch with local charities, community groups and our NHS, I know this extra funding will be welcomed and is needed.
“People in mental health crisis deserve compassionate care in a safe and appropriate setting. As we know, all too often they end up in A&E when they should be receiving specialist treatment elsewhere.
“This important funding for our local mental health services will make sure they get the help they need, while easing pressures on emergency departments and freeing up staff time – which is a top priority for the Government this winter.”
