Sane: NHS funds not reaching crisis line

Extra investment in mental health services is not getting to the areas where it is most needed, the charity Sane has warned.

A Healthcare Commission review today finds less than half of those in need of psychological help can access after-hours services, and many are failing to receive talking therapies.

Sane's chief executive, Marjorie Wallace, noted the findings suggest significant breaches of the 1999 guidelines, which advise that 24-hour support should be available.

"It is quite shocking that despite the nearly £2 billion investment in mental health services, monies have not reached the crisis front line," she added.

"With the cutbacks in services it is going to be even harder to get help. People in critical need will remain without care and their families bereft of anywhere to turn at the time of crisis."

Thousands of people were affected by these gaps in the provision of mental health services, Ms Wallace said.