The King's Speech is a speech written by the government and delivered by the Monarch at the State Opening of Parliament. It marks the beginning of a new parliamentary year, or session, and is an opportunity for the government to set out its legislative agenda for the coming months.
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On the 17th of July 2024 King Charles gave a speech at the opening of Parliament following the general election. He outlined the agenda for the upcoming legislative session, which will touch upon a number of issues that are of huge importance to the future of the UK's mental health.
For the NCPS, this speech represents a significant step forward in a number of areas that we have long been advocating for.
Among the various legislative proposals, the following are areas in which the NCPS has been politically active, and which are of particular interest to counsellors & psychotherapists:
Equitable & Accessible Health Care
The King reads:
"My Government will improve the National Health Service as a service for all, providing care on the basis of need regardless of the ability to pay. It will seek to reduce the waiting times, focus on prevention and improve mental health provision for young people. It will ensure mental health is given the same attention and focus as physical health."
This is so important, and something the NCPS have been calling for for many years. We look forward to working with the Government to reduce waiting times for those waiting for support with their mental and emotional health, and to build a service that works for everyone, not just those few who can afford to pay for the care they need.
The Children's Wellbeing Bill
We are delighted and proud that through our work as key members of the Children's Alliance, and through our collaboration with the Children & Young People's Mental Health Coalition, Children's wellbeing is now at the forefront of our new Government's plans for our country.
We look forward to continuing to support this work, and ensuring that counselling & psychotherapy for young people is recognised as an important, preventative intervention.
Reforming the Mental Health Act
The King's Speech also highlighted the need to modernise the Mental Health Act, something that the NCPS has championed alongside the Children & Young People's Mental Health Coalition. Modernising the act will ensure it is fit for the 21st century, providing more effective and compassionate care to those that need it. It's a huge achievement on the part of everyone involved that this is a priority for our new Labour Government.
The Draft Conversion Practices Bill
We're delighted to see that the Draft Conversion Practices Bill is high on the agenda for the incoming Government, as this is an absolutely critical step in protecting people from harmful practices. This is a Bill that has struggled to develop under the previous Government, and we're looking forward to build on the ongoing work of the coalition of organisations through the Memorandum of Understanding on Conversion Therapy to ensure that the draft Bill finally becomes an Act.
The Society's Role in Shaping Legislation
One of our roles as a professional body is to actively engage with the legislative process to ensure that the interests of counsellors & psychotherapists, as well as their clients, are well-represented. Here's how we do it:
Advocacy and Consultation
We engage with policymakers and give them our expert input, always advocating for the inclusion of counselling and psychotherapy within topics of mental health.
Collaboration
We work with other professional bodies, mental health organisations, and coalitions to strengthen our voice and impact. Together, our voices are louder.
Public Awareness
We raise awareness through our public networks about the importance counselling & psychotherapy, and our hoped-for legislative changes, and how they will benefit mental health support provision in the UK.
We encourage all our members and supporters to stay informed and involved as these legislative proposals move forward. If you have any questions or ideas, please get in touch with us.
