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Mental health services are under significant pressure and face challenges to keep up with increasing demand.

A record number of children with mental health problems were seen by social workers last year, an increase of more than a half in five years, latest figures show.

Commenting on research undertaken by the London School of Economics (LSE)  and the Maternal Mental Health Alliance about increasing access to perinatal mental health care, Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board said: “As this stark research highlights, perinatal mental health problems occur during the period from conception to the child’s second birthday. If untreated and unsupported, these mental health problems can continue to affect mothers, and their families for years afterwards. In the UK, one in five are affected by maternal

“Councils have proved how critical they are in providing services during COVID-19, working closely with schools and other partners to provide support to children and young people, but have had to divert all their early intervention spending into more acute services due to overstretched budgets."

 “Every suicide is a tragedy and it is worrying that today’s analysis has shown particularly high rates among males and in certain age groups, including a long-term increase in under-25s."

"Suicide prevention is a public health priority for local government and every council has a suicide prevention plan in place. Councils are already working closely with schools, railway operators, businesses, hospitals and the police to prevent suicide and help those affected by it."

"Working together and toward a common goal we can build connected communities equipped and resourced to respond effectively to a wide range of needs.”

Every suicide that takes place is a tragedy and it’s everybody’s business to work together to tackle this tragic loss of life and support all of those affected by it.

To achieve true parity of care between mental and physical health, we need a root and branch overhaul of mental health services, which focuses on prevention and early intervention, particularly for children and young people.

“It’s good to see mental health finally getting the focus that it deserves. The report makes some important recommendations about how to bring the Mental Health Act up to date and give people a stronger say in their treatment. It’s positive that the review listened to local government and recognises the role of community mental health services in preventing people from reaching crisis point in the first place. “The LGA has consistently called for a re-focus in mental health services away from medicalisation and treating mental ill health to early intervention and support for recovery through