NATIONAL DEPRESSION WEEK

Early day motion 1422, tabled 24 April 2008 by Jo Swinson (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 55 members.

That this House notes that national depression week occurs between 21st and 26th April; further notes that depression is a common illness, which will affect one in five people during their lifetime; further notes that access to psychological therapies for depression, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, is still severely restricted; recognises that access to such therapy would not only have a huge impact on patients themselves, but also dramatically cut the number of people who are forced onto incapacity benefit because of their illness; urges the Government to fully implement the Layard proposals to ensure access to suitable psychological therapy for those who need it; and further urges the Government to move beyond mere treatment of mental illness and work to promote mental wellbeing across the nation to help reduce the incidence of future depression cases.

Signatures by party: Labour 26, Liberal Democrat 17, DUP 5, Scottish National Party 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Conservative 1, Independent 1, Plaid Cymru 1.