Halesowen and Rowley Regis MP, James Martin attended the Parliamentary launch of a report by Rethink Mental Illness to discuss the importance of prioritising mental health support as the next General Election draws near.

Entitled ‘Constituencies that Care’ and drawing on research from the polling agency More in Common, the report from Rethink Mental Illness highlighted how many in the population now rank mental health support as a greater priority than unemployment, Brexit and climate change.

The report calls for reform of the Mental Health Act, cross-government focus, greater access to supported housing and reforms to the welfare system, amongst other priorities.

James has been a champion of greater mental health support throughout his time as an MP, and chaired the APPG on Mental Health during his first term. James said:

“This report from Rethink Mental Illness was quite an eye-openerin just how much the public consider mental health to be a priority, and highlight how we need an approach from across Government to ensure that we are delivering the right support to those who need it.

“Whilst there may be differences between the parties on how we deliver that support, I am pleased that there is broad recognition of the need to go further.

“I will continue doing what I can to ensure we have the best mental health provision in Halesowen & Rowley Regis, as well as advocating in Parliament for progress where it is needed at a national level.”

Mark Winstanley, Chief Executive of Rethink Mental Illness, said: “It’s great to have the support of James, who has had a keen focus on mental health throughout his time in parliament.

“We know that constituents in Halesowen and Rowley Regis want to see politicians prioritising mental health, as do members of the public across the UK.

“Recent polling by More in Common for our charity shows that two in five voters will consider parties’ plans for mental health at the next election.

“Our Constituencies that Care report provides a blueprint, setting out the need for government to tackle the drivers of mental illness across its departments and ensure the NHS and social care can provide timely, safe and effective support for those who need it.”