The letter, co-signed by key professional bodies in health and care, was sent to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, the Rt Hon. Steven Barclay, and NHS England chief executive, Amanda Pritchard, to express our disappointment in the £2.3m funding provided for the NHS Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs.

What does the letter say?

It argues that the proposed funding is inadequate and highlights the lack of clarity over further funding or a clear plan for a new model of mental health support for NHS and social care staff. We said they must reconsider the amount if they want to give staff the care and support they need.

We also requested to be included in any future discussion with the government and NHS England on this important issue.

Martin Bell, BACP Head of Policy and Public Affairs said: “The huge pressure that NHS and social care staff are under is having a devastating impact on their physical and mental health. It’s vital they have access to timely mental health support from trained therapists. Scaling back these hubs and denying staff from this crucial intervention will have consequences far beyond individual employees, and will impact health and social care services, patients and families.

“The Government must reconsider funding levels for this year and beyond to ensure that hubs remain and are fully resourced to support NHS staff as well as addressing wider longer-term issues around adequate investment in the healthcare system and workforce planning and retention.”

Who else was involved?

The joint letter was signed by the British Psychological Society, Association of Clinical Psychologists UK, Royal College of Nursing, Royal College of Psychiatrists, Royal College of Physicians, British Association of Social Workers, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, British Society for Haematology, and Royal College of Anaesthetists.