23 Accepted

Adopt proactive approach to mental health implications of rural crisis and shock events.

Recommendation
However, as more extreme weather events are predicted to occur, the Government and NHS England need to adopt a more proactive approach to the mental health and well-being implications of crisis and shock events rather than just leaving it to local areas. We welcome the provision of Mental Health First Aid training for front-line public sector staff working with rural communities during crises. We also welcome the fact that advice and easements are available to help farmers cope with the financial challenges.
Government Response Summary
The government highlighted existing guidance from the UK Health Security Agency, collaborations between the Environment Agency and charitable organizations, and multi-agency coordination through Local Resilience Forums for mental health support during emergencies. It also stated that there are no plans for a dedicated funding stream for rural mental health needs, though Defra and DHSC recognize the importance of careful planning and provision.
Paragraph Reference
155
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government Accepted
Defra contributed to the UK Health Security Agency’s published guidance on providing advice about the impacts of being flooded on people’s mental health: • Flooding health advice: mental health - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk), • Flooding and health: assessment and management of public mental health - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) The Environment Agency (an executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by Defra) works with independent charitable organisations such as National Flood Forum – A charity to help, support and represent people at risk of flooding. Local mental health care providers and the Voluntary and Community Sector will work with Local Resilience Forums as part of a multi-agency partnership to co-ordinate a response to a major incident and will provide the necessary mental health support to communities impacted by an emergency. Although there are no plans to establish a dedicated funding stream for rural communities’ mental health need during and after crisis events, Defra and DHSC recognise the need to work closely together and with others to ensure that this support is carefully planned for and provided.
Timeline
Recommendation age 3.0 yrs
Report published 18 May 2023