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Sean Duggan, chief executive of the Mental Health Network, which is part of the NHS Confederation, responded to the Labour Party’s election pledge for NHS funding 

“We welcome the focus on mental health from all political parties and Labour’s proposals would continue the momentum which has seen mental health services make significant strides in recent years.

“We know that supporting the mental health of our young people is one of the most important things society can do and we need to improve access to support. Early intervention – particularly in schools and communities – is essential.

“Often the best place to receive mental health support is not in a hospital or formal clinical setting so a commitment to invest in community services for severe mental illness, while improving the wraparound care, is welcome.

“Where hospital might be the best place for someone to receive treatment, it is vital that facilities are safe and appropriate. The additional investment announced is welcome though we must be clear where it will come from and it will be important that local leaders, who know the needs of their services best, must be involved in deciding where it goes.

“It is encouraging to see staff mental wellbeing considered. Our healthcare workforce faces mounting challenges which are placing pressure on their mental health. The yearly cost of poor staff mental health is significant and investment in a healthy workforce will ultimately benefit the entire system.”