This month has been full of important news for mental health - some good, some bad and some uncertain. Read on to find out what the government's Spending Review might mean for people affected by severe mental illness, our recent successes in the Equality Act and how the committed campaigning from Rethink's supporters makes the world of difference. 

On Wednesday the Government announced the results of the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR), setting out spending plans – and cuts – for the next four years. There was both good and bad news for those affected by severe mental illness. There was a significant campaign victory for Rethink when the government announced a commitment to extending psychological therapies for people with severe mental illness. But there were several announcements which aroused concerns too. To find out how the new spending plans will affect mental health go to our website and read our blog.

At Rethink HQ staff were posting their reactions to the CSR live online and discussing what it all meant with over 100 of our supporters on our online community RethinkTalk.

We are really grateful to all our campaigners and supporters who helped keep psychological therapies high on the Government’s agenda. Now we must work together to make sure the Government puts its money where its mouth is.

Rethink supporters have been campaigning hard to stop the unfair treatment of job hunters affected by mental illness. The hard work has paid off and as of 1st October, employers are no longer allowed to ask about medical conditions or disability before a job offer. Rethink secured this new rule in the Equality Act 2010.

This is fantastic news and should have a huge positive impact for everyone who wants to get back into work. If that was you – thank you. If you want to make a difference with Rethink, sign up to campaign with us. 

A survey of GPs by Rethink featured substantially in the national press this month, in the Independent and Guardian Online's articles about the cost of mental health.

Chief Exec Paul Jenkins also spoke out about the results of this survey in The Big Issue and Health Service Journal, highlighting the startling response from 4 in 10 GPs who are say they lack knowledge about specialist services for people with severe mental illness.

And online, media volunteer and Rethink recovery worker Nicky warns of the effects of the Spending Review on her and the people she supports.

It’s been a busy month for Time to Change! Last month we told you about Erik and Time To Change’s ‘Don’t Get Me Wrong’ video. Millions of people across the country heard about this social experiment – and many pledged to help end mental health discrimination – if you have already, please tell your friends and help us reach 12,000 pledges!

Time to Change was again in the spotlight when three media volunteers with schizophrenia and schizo-affective disorder bravely appeared in The Sun, (not known for sensitively reporting mental health problems). Read the article here.

And Time to Get Moving week saw our supporters running hundreds of fantastic events, taking place across the country ranging from Bollywood dancing to football tournaments, involving nearly 50,000 people and including two big ‘flagship’ events in Birmingham and London. World Champion Triple Jumper, Phillips Idowu, Britain's Got Talent Sophie Mei, and ITV newsreader Sameena Ali Khan also came to the events to show their support! Read more on the Time to Change website.

And a quick fundraising fact: Did you know that this year our runners have run over 741 miles & raised over £25,000 between them for Rethink? A big thank you to them! There are plenty more running & fundraising events to get involved with - go to our events pages on the website to find one that suits you.

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