Transforming our mental health services - A Liberal Democrat priority says David Chalmers

Treating mental health issues with the same urgency as physical health and transforming our mental health services is a priority for the Liberal Democrats says David Chalmers, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Torridge and West Devon after he spent the afternoon meeting staff and patients at Arliemoor, a care home in Holsworthy for young people with mental health issues.

David said: "Day in, day out, many people are affected by mental health issues across Devon. But when they ask for help, it's often not available.

The NHS as an institution is the envy of the world, but our mental health services are not. The NHS has been driven to crisis point by chronic underinvestment by the Tories and mental health care is one of the most neglected areas. One in ten consultant psychiatrist roles are vacant.

The Tories promised sweeping reforms to mental health. Instead, they have crippled our NHS.

This is unacceptable, and I and the Liberal Democrats demand better.

We have set out a bold, new vision for how we improve mental health support for everyone and we will back that vision up with an investment of £11 billion into mental health services.

In our manifesto, we commit to transform our mental health services by treating mental health with the same urgency as physical health.

We will increase access to clinically-effective talking therapies and increase the number of psychiatrists and specialist mental health care practitioners.

Furthermore we will provide 24-hour mental health services in hospitals so people can access potentially lifesaving treatment, regardless of the time of day and we will put a focus on children's services, eating disorders and bipolar disorders.

Through these package of measures, we will build a better future for those suffering from mental health issues and their families."