This month saw Mental Health Awareness Week take place from the 12th until the 18th May.

This is an annual event, bringing together mental health charities across the UK, and indeed internationally, to highlight the importance of recognising and discussing mental health.

Everyone has mental health, whether it be good, bad, or somewhere in between.

It is inevitable that our mental health will fluctuate throughout our lives, whether that be in response to a life event, or not.

For too long, GP services have been overrun, and those suffering from poor mental health have had nowhere to turn to except A&E when their conditions became too much to bear.

Years of neglect have left our public services weakened, and their capacity dwindling.

This Labour Government knows that we need to urgently increase the capacity of our NHS. Tackling long waiting lists will allow our NHS to get back on track, and in turn, provide services with the capacity they need to deliver for those who need mental health support.

We have already taken significant steps to get our NHS back on track. This has included:

• £26 billion more in health and care
• 1,500 more GPs recruited across the country
• Biggest uplift to pharmacies in a generation

Specifically relating to mental health, this Labour Government has committed to:

• Modernising the Mental Health Act
• Ensuring mental health support is available to almost one million more young people in school this year
• Recruiting 8,500 more mental health specialists across the country.

As Minister for Youth, I know how vital it is that young people have access to the services they need to support their mental health, help them to feel connected to their community, and help them to get on in life.

Children today are struggling with a generational challenge to their mental health. It’s something I hear from young people and parents alike in Barnsley South.

Around 20% of young people experience some type of mental health issue, up from 14% in 2017. Sadly, there are likely to be many more struggling with their wellbeing who do not meet the threshold for a clinical diagnosis.

The Government’s Plan for Change will ensure every child who needs it has access to mental health support within school.

There will also be new measures at school to support teachers to identify where mental health support is needed, deliver sessions to tackle anxiety and low mood, and 1:1 support for those who need it.

By intervening during children’s formative years, we’ll halt the spiral towards crisis and cultivate resilience.

If you feel like you need support with your mental health, you can get in touch with Mind UK at 0300 123 3393, with the Samaritans on 116 123, and if you are under 25, you can text The Mix at 85258 for urgent mental health support.

If necessary, it is important to contact your GP to seek help to manage your symptoms.

If you are feeling suicidal, visit A&E immediately.

There is no shame in experiencing poor mental health. Continue to speak to those you trust if you need support, and reach out to those who you think might need a listening ear.

Recovery is possible, and seeking help is the first step towards it.