Mental health needs to be central to our political debate

This post is written by Jack Falkingham and Victoria Desmond 

Almost a quarter of the British population will experience some kind of mental health problem in a year; within that 1 in 10 are children. The problems of mental health are obvious, yet the conversation around it still isn’t.

Costing billions of pounds a year, and entrapping people across demographics and backgrounds, mental health problems should not be ignored. Yet for too long mental health hasn’t been a serious point on the agenda of politics, never mind a priority.

This week we are launching the Labour Campaign for Mental Health to start the conversation. As we fight for the vision of the next Labour Government, lets make sure mental health is central to the debate. From education, to economic policy, to healthcare, what can be done for everyone’s mental health must be included.

We need a strong voice, to ensure a real choice for our mental health. Only this will bring: the much-needed reforms of mental health services, the early intervention, the stigma tackling, and a society that identifies and tackles one of its gravest concerns.

For if Labour don’t fight for it, then nobody will – look no further than this Government’s record. Rising numbers of children once again being treated on adult mental health wards, a lost generation trapped in a spiraling cycle of poor mental health and unemployment, and the Minister responsible still acting like a campaigner rather than using the power he has to make change.

So let’s work to ensure Labour becomes the strongest advocate it can be. From policy discussion with our MPs, to lobbying our CCGs (Clinical Commissioning Groups), we hope members from across the country will join us in championing mental health.

We are proud to be launching this campaign through our roles in Young Labour and London Young Labour. There is so much that can be done early on to help prevent a future of poor mental health. Simple ideas such as mental health being included in the training of teachers and social workers, or giving young people a strong voice over their services, can have a hugely positive impact.

So join the campaign, help shape the debate, and lets be the strong voice for mental health that’s desperately needed.

Jack Falkingham is Young Labour LGBT Officer and Victoria Desmond is London Young Labour Disabled Members Officer