Eleven new innovative psychological therapy schemes are to be funded across the UK thanks to the new Health Minister Ivan Lewis.
He plans to provide £2.2m funds for services that can help individuals gain quick access to psychological support.
The services are designed to reduce the time that patients are ill and allow them to regain their independence and quickly return to work or find a new job.
MP Ivan Lewis said: “We know that mental health is one of the great challenges facing a modern society.
“Depression and anxiety are classless conditions which can equally destroy the life of the top business executive and the unemployed, low paid worker.”
He says his plans “point the way to a radical overhaul of mental health services” with a greater focus on creating access to “talking therapies” which work torwards a “rapid and sustainable recovery”.
Chief Executive of MIND Paul Farmer said: “This is a very important next step in making these essential therapies available to people when and where they need them, and we look forward to a full national roll-out as soon as possible.”
