A health charity has welcomed plans to offer mental health first aid training in schools, better workplace support and community based crisis cafes and clinics.

MIND in cambridgeshire has welcomed Government plans to enhance suicide prevention measures and tackle the ‘unacceptable’ stigma and injustices affecting people with mental health problems.

The plans include:

• Every secondary school in the country to be offered mental health first aid training.

• A review to transform services in schools, universities and for families.

• A new partnership with employers to improve mental health support in the workplace.

• £15m to provide new models of community–based care such as crisis cafes and community clinics.

• £67.7m on digital mental health so that people can go online, check their symptoms and access digital therapy.

• New ways to ‘right the injustices’ people with mental health problems face.

Sarah Hughes, CEO of Mind in Cambridgeshire, said: “We believe the promised investment into mental health, children and young people, suicide prevention and crisis services is vital and we are eager to see what it means in real terms.

“We especially welcome the investment for people in crisis.

“It is hoped that this will help secure further funding for our Sanctuary service in Cambridge and Peterborough.”

Funded by Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), the Sanctuary provides a safe place for individuals experiencing an emotional or mental health crisis.

Since its initial launch in April 2016, there have been 697 referrals to the service.

The Sanctuary is open seven days a week from 6pm to 1am and may be accessed by calling NHS 111, pressing option two.

Sarah Hughes said: “With one in 10 children having a mental health problem and suicide being the biggest killer of men under 50, it is crucial these issues are addressed immediately.”