Prime Minister Theresa May has marked World Mental Health Day by pledging new funding to the Samaritans.
The Samaritans will remain free for the next four years after the government pledged up to £1.8m to assist the helpline in providing 24/7 support.
It has also been announced that health minister Jackie Doyle-Price will become the UK’s first Minister for Suicide Prevention.
Mental health is a significant issue for both people with and without diabetes. The stress of managing diabetes can lead to burnout for some people if not addressed quickly, and knowing how to cope with stress is important.
It is thought about one in four people in the UK will experience some sort of a mental health problem each year. People with diabetes, which includes Mrs May who has type 1 diabetes, are up to three times more likely to develop depression.
According to a government press release, Mrs May is today expected to say: “There are few greater examples than the injustices facing those with mental health conditions. But together we can change that.
“We can end the stigma that has forced too many to suffer in silence. We can prevent the tragedy of suicide taking too many lives. And we can give the mental wellbeing of our children the priority it so profoundly deserves.”
As part of the government’s plans, every local area will be asked to put an effective suicide prevention plan in place, and look at how the latest technology can be used to identify those most at risk.
Next year a report about mental health trends and well-being will be published and a million people are set to be trained in mental health awareness as part of a campaign called Every Mind Matters.
Mrs May added: “I have made parity of care a priority for our long-term plan for the NHS. As a result, our record investment in the NHS will mean record investment in mental health. We are not looking after our health if we are not looking after our mental health.”
