Mental health in an age of austerity.

Given the current economic climate, it might well be assumed that it is a poor time to advocate greater expenditure on people with mental health needs. With the push to reduce government spending, a strong light is being directed to every corner where cuts might be made and mental health services are not likely to prove exempt. But might there be a case for quite the opposite course. Research shows that some expenditure on selected interventions may actually reduce public spending in the short or longer term, in addition to improving the well-being of individuals, families and local communities.