YoungMinds responds to King's Speech

Today's King’s Speech delivered plans from the new Labour Government that we hope will make a difference to young people's lives and their mental health. In particular, we were pleased to see a real commitment to children's wellbeing in schools that we hope will reform the education system and ensure all young people have the opportunity to thrive. It is also hugely welcome that the outdated Mental Health Act will at last be reformed, strengthening the rights of children and young people who are sectioned under the Act and seeking to address the racial disparities in how it is used.

We look forward to seeing how this Government will seek to tackle the waiting times for mental health treatment, also promised in today's speech. To achieve the necessary changes to the mental health system, we need bold long-term thinking and for every young person to get the right care for them. In the meantime, the Government must make it easier to get support, which is why we will be calling for mental health support hubs to be rolled out in every area as soon as possible.