Mental Health network director Steve Shrubb said:

"Mental health stigma remains a huge issue for society as a whole, and we congratulate Time to Change on the excellent work it has done so far in helping improve public understanding of mental health issues. There remains much more to do and the Government, public and politicians must continue to support this campaign.

"It’s vital that we tackle the discrimination and stigma that affects people with mental health problems if mental health services are to help people recover effectively, and if we are to encourage people who need treatment to come forward. That’s what makes Time to Change’s work so important.

"Ensuring black and minority ethnic communities get appropriate early access to support and treatment has long been one of the biggest challenges for mental health services and we welcome the new grant funding from Time to Change. It is absolutely vital that local services across the board work together to support this work.

"The support of Comic Relief continues to be vital to the success of the programme. However, given tackling stigma is a key plank of the Government's mental health strategy, it is important that the Government now undertakes to undertake the bulk of funding for Time to Change’s work. We welcome their commitment to Time to Change’s next phase of work, and provides a positive platform for the sector to work closely with government on implementing the mental health strategy."