Responding to the launch of a new Every Mind Matters mental health campaign, NHS Providers' interim chief executive Saffron Cordery said:

"The launch of Every Mind Matters is timely as we continue to see more people seeking help from the NHS for their mental health.

"While a campaign supporting people's personal wellbeing is welcome, trusts are concerned about the effect of rising inequality on people's mental health. We must address deep-rooted and complex factors influencing poor mental health too.

"Mental health services are doing everything they can to expand and provide the best possible care with the staff and resources available in the face of growing demand.

"There are almost 1.8 million people on mental health waiting lists. Overstretched services face severe workforce shortages while people's needs are becoming more serious and more complex, partly as a result of the pandemic.

"Now we are contending too with the rising cost of living which is harming people's physical and mental health as financial pressures take their toll. In our recent survey 72% of NHS trusts said they have seen more people coming to mental health services due to stress, debt and poverty.

"Government support for and recognition of the importance of early intervention is also welcome. But we need to know that the cross-government mental health plan remains a priority for ministers – and will be backed up by the support and funding mental health services and their partners require to deliver the level of care that people with mental health problems need, when they need it.

"And mental health trusts must be given the capital funding required for more modern facilities so that patients can receive the care they need in the right environment."