Today the Chancellor marked the Government’s progress against its mission for economic growth. But, for mental health charities across the country, ‘growth’ is a distant reality.

Mental health charities support over 8 million people across England and Wales, in early prevention, intervention and crisis. They are a lifeline. 

They support people to live well in their communities. This can involve holistic support, for example to stay in work and return to employment, which often isn’t available under statutory services. With unemployment forecast to peak towards the end of this year, demand for mental health support will only increase. Without immediate investment, pressures on mental health charities to catch up with demand will only worsen. 

The Chancellor’s forecast paints a mixed picture – of projected growth and eased cost of living pressures. Yet, we know that mental health charities are facing a sustainability crisis. Last year’s changes to employer National Insurance contributions impact mental health charities today, and we continue to hear from our members who have been hit hard as a result – in some cases reducing services, losing staff and sadly, facing closure. One year on from these changes, we still see no adequate support for charities struggling to meet additional costs. 

We ask – when will mental health charities and their workforces be recognised for their central role in the nation’s health? If the Chancellor wants to see the positive impacts of economic growth in the next year, she must begin by looking at the charities which keep our communities going.