On 9 February 2022, the government launched its new white paper on integration of health and social care. Jeremy Bernhaut, Head of Policy and Influencing at Rethink Mental Illness said:

“We welcome the white paper’s aspiration to close the gaps in the system and ensure those living with mental illness receive the right treatment at the right time. To deliver these ambitions, it’s clear that the government must learn from the current transformation of community mental health support.

To ensure these ambitions are met, there has to be a fundamental shift in power and funding for the greater good. Successful integration requires a diverse, multidisciplinary workforce, involvement of people with lived experience in the shaping and planning of services and a major role for the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector. It is also crucial that significant investment reaches vital local authorities and mental health social care services, as well as the NHS in the longer term."