Public Health White Paper: Preventative Mental Health Services

James Morris highlights the valuable role for the voluntary sector, particularly on preventive mental health services.

James Morris (Halesowen and Rowley Regis) (Con): I welcome the Secretary of State's statement. Does he agree that in local areas it is important for local government to work closely with the voluntary sector, particularly on preventive mental health services?

Mr Lansley: Yes, I entirely agree. The extent to which charities and the voluntary sector can initiate new ideas is woefully underestimated. This is not just about local authorities, and still less about central Government saying, "Here is a programme, would charities like to bid to run it?" Even more importantly, we must be clear that charities should now come forward to anticipate the resources needed to improve public health, and to suggest their own innovations to deliver better health for their communities.

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