Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans the Government has to increase mental health service provision for 18-25 year olds who have reported mental health issues relating to the lockdown due to the covid-19 outbreak.

Mental health services remain open and are working to support people with mental health problems through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. The Government and NHS England and NHS Improvement are working closely with mental health trusts to ensure those who need them continue to have access to mental health services, including 18-25 year olds. For those with severe needs or in crisis, NHS England has instructed all National Health Service mental health trusts to establish 24 hours a day, seven days a week mental health crisis lines, clearly accessible from trust websites as an urgent priority. Mental health providers are using digital and virtual channels such as helplines and video consultations, to keep delivering support and manage the impact of self-isolation on staff and patients. In addition, we have published official guidance on mental health and wellbeing on GOV.UK and promoting this through Every Mind Matters.