BPS responds to the Autumn budget

Responding to today's budget, President of the BPS, Dr Roman Raczka said:

"We are encouraged by the Government's commitment to increase spending on several vital issues the BPS has long campaigned for.  

"Record numbers of people are in need of mental health treatment and support, so while £26m for new mental health crisis centres won't solve all the challenges facing mental health services, the move is a positive step in the right direction.  

"We also welcome the much-needed funding uplift for supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The soaring demand for education, health and care plans (EHCPs) has caused our current system to become a postcode lottery. An increased focus on the recruitment and retention of educational psychologists will also be vital to ensuring all children with additional needs can access the support they deserve. 

"Lastly, we support the government's ambitions to help people who have a mental health condition back into work. But this must be done in a compassionate and caring way. We must ensure there is no culture of fear or 'threat' when supporting people to find rewarding and meaningful work.  

"We look forward to working with the government on all these issues to ensure that these welcome announcements can come to fruition, and in the process give everyone in society a chance to thrive as a result."