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Want to quiz Chris Grayling MP on benefits reform?

Live Webchat Thursday 10th February at 11.30am

Thanks to the amazing work of Rethink campaigners, anyone concerned about the Government's proposed changes to the benefits system now has the chance to hold the Minister of State for Work and Pensions, Chris Grayling MP, to account.

On 10 February at 11.30am, Rethink will be hosting a live webchat with the Minister, and anyone can join in.

Post your question in advance, right now - find out how at www.rethink.org/talk

And these issues affect millions, so please share this information with anyone you think should know.

New Mental Health Strategy - hat trick for Rethink!

The Government's new Mental Health Strategy was launched on 2nd February and it included three big wins for Rethink's tirelessly brilliant activists and campaigners.

Thinking of joining our current and future campaigns? Email campaigns@rethink.org and just say 'I'm interested' !

Psychological Therapies – success

Following our Fair Treatment Now campaign, there was confirmation that £400m extra funding for psychological therapies will widen access to people with conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. We'll be working hard to see how this can be made a reality and hold the Government to their promise.

Repeal of outdated law – success

For years Rethink and our activists campaigned for the ending of an outdated law which means some MPs who are receiving hospital treatment for a mental illness lose their seat. This law will now be scrapped!

Commitment to fighting stigma – success

The strategy put great emphasis on the importance of reducing discrimination. It both praised and committed to work with the anti-stigma Time to Change campaign, which Rethink has been leading alongside Mind.

Government plans for the NHS - what Rethink is saying

The coalition Government is proposing a big shake-up on the NHS, which will see lots of powers and £80 billion of the NHS budget handed to GPs.

We want to make sure that patients can hold GPs to account for how this money is spent. We think that really strong mechanisms need to be in place to make sure GPs are accountable and that patient involvement in the design of their care becomes a reality.

Rethink has gathered together 8 of the leading health charities to campaign on this. Today we had a letter published by the Times newspaper and this was reported by the BBC. Later this week we’ll be giving evidence to the committee looking at the new Health Bill. We’ll keep you updated on our progress in making sure the new NHS serves everyone who uses it, including those with mental illness.

Frankie Boyle complaint

Ofcom are investigating a complaint made by Rethink, about a sketch on Frankie Boyle's Tramadol Nights programme on Channel Four. The sketch mocked an advert by the Time to Change anti-stigma campaign, run by Rethink and Mind.

Rethink does not make a habit of criticising comedy shows and we are certainly not against mental health issues being used in humour. (We love Rethink supporter Ruby Wax's new show 'Losing It', now playing in London). However, in this specific case we felt that the sketch was stigmatising, and certainly very upsetting for many Rethink supporters.

A matter of life and death

People with severe mental illness do not get the physical healthcare that the rest of the population takes for granted, despite having high risk factors for life-threatening diseases, such as diabetes, stroke and coronary heart disease.

We need you to campaign locally to end this health inequality and stop the physical health needs of people with mental health problems being ignored. Please sign up today!

Cuts to legal aid

The Government is proposing to reduce access to legal aid for areas of advice including welfare benefits, debt, housing, employment and clinical negligence. Could this affect you, now or in the future?

We want your views to help the campaign - please tell us today by filling in this confidential survey (Closes 10am Wednesday 9th February)

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