Good news about mental health funding

AS I write this, I have just had confirmation from the Government that Somerset will receive more than £1.2 million in additional funding for mental health services across the county.

I am so pleased that we are getting a cut of a larger pot of funding to provide more tailored emergency care and support for our communities.

I have long campaigned for parity of esteem for mental and physical health and the great thing about this investment is that the money will go directly to new children and young people’s crisis safe spaces.

We still need to make sure that we are dealing with mental health issues as early as possible, but particularly after the past few years, we must support our young people who have been through so much.

Not only will this help specialist mental health provision, but it will also help ease the pressure on the NHS, which is of concern to all of us at the moment.

I have very recently met with the Chief Executive of the Integrated Care Board (ICB) to discuss the challenges we are facing in the county. As so many of you will be aware, NHS dentistry is at a critical point in Somerset where it is hugely challenging to get an appointment. I have been clear with Government this cannot go on. However, in April the commissioning of dental services will become the responsibility of the ICB. While it will take time, they will be looking to ensure things improve. This is a country-wide issue, but Somerset is taking a big hit in this area, and I have had many constituents get in touch about it.

I am hopeful we will see improvements in the coming months, and I was clear with the ICB that this is a responsibility they are taking on which needs to be prioritised.

We also spoke about a host of other things, including primary care, social care and the changes which will be made from the new leadership.

I was very pleased to have such an in-depth conversation and I will continue to engage on these important matters as I know this is one of the biggest concerns to those who live in Wells and the surrounding areas.

As ever, should you need any assistance please do get in touch with my office and we will do our best to help. Email James. Heappey.mp@parliament.uk