Primary care is in a unique position to deliver mental health care, being most people’s first port of call in times of health care need or the development of symptoms. It is the only part of our health service that offers ‘cradle to grave’ family-orientated, person-centered care, often seeing and supporting patients through significant life events such as pregnancy and bereavement.

There are clear links between mental and physical health. Up to a third of people with many common chronic illnesses or long-term conditions such as diabetes suffer with comorbid mental health problems such as anxiety or depression, which is also within the remit of primary care.