We are Rethink Mental Illness

We improve the lives of people severely affected by mental illness through our network of local groups and services, expert information and successful campaigning. Our goal is to make sure everyone affected by severe mental illness has a good quality of life.

A better life for everyone affected by mental illness

We campaign and influence

Driven by people with personal experience of mental illness, we campaign nationally and locally to push mental health up the public agenda and change government policy for the better. Join our movement of passionate campaigners and help us make sure that everyone has access to high quality health care, no matter where they live or what their personal circumstances are.

We listen and advise

Our website provides advice to millions of people through over 200 award-winning factsheets. Our trusted advisors are also on hand to provide advice on the phone on living with mental illness, medication, care and treatment. They can be called as often as needed and will take time to explain and set out options about what to do next. If you are looking for support, you can trust us to get it right.

We care and support

For nearly 50 years, we have supported thousands of people every year to get through crises, live independently and ensure they don't face mental illness alone. Our network of 140 peer support groups offer a listening ear, practical help and social support. Our 200 plus services include everything from supported housing, one-to-one help for carers, to group activities for people leaving hospital.

Find advice and information

About mental illness

Here you can find information on different mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, depression and eating disorders. This section also includes symptoms of mental illness and how to cope with suicidal thoughts and self-harm.

Learn more about mental illness About mental illness

Living with mental illness

With the right support and treatment, mental illness doesn't have to be a barrier to a fulfilling life. In this section find out more about medication, treatment options and how to look after your physical health and wellbeing.

Learn more about living with mental illness Living with mental illness

Rights & benefits

It’s important to know your rights when living with a mental illness or caring for someone who does. This section has information on mental health laws, rights and restrictions, social care, welfare benefits, employment and health care. It also includes resources on the police, courts & prison service.

Learn more about rights and benefits Rights & benefits

Information for carers

Our Carers Hub has lots of resources to help carers of people living with a mental illness. This section includes information on social services support for carers, mental illness running in families, confidentiality, supporting someone and what to do in a crisis.

Learn more about being a carer Information for carers

Search for a service or group

We are the largest voluntary sector provider of mental health services with over 200 services in England. Founded 40 years ago through voluntary groups for people affected by mental illness, we have over 100 groups in England.

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Latest news & stories

OCD and Me: Oli's Story

What it is like to have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder? Oli from Rethink Mental Illness talks frankly about living with the condition and what it is like to experience intrusive thoughts.

Read Oli's blog

Telling your partner you live with a mental illness

If you meet someone, when is the right time to disclose your illness? We asked mental health campaigner Ellie about when she first tackles that tricky conversation.

Read Ellie's blog

Today marks one year since I last self-harmed

Our great friend and all-round great guy, Carl Burkitt, tells us about his experience of self-harm and how he learned to treat himself with compassion and understanding.

Read Carl's blog

Being sectioned at 18: Degrading and life-saving

What were you doing when you were 17 about to turn 18? Partying? Smoking and drinking? Working? Starting a family? Looking round university? Gap year? I was sectioned under the mental health act.

Being sectioned at 18: Degrading and life-saving

How you can help

Fundraise with us

From making cakes to running a marathon, by raising money for our work you’ll help create a better future for people severely affected by mental illness. Check out our fundraising pages today.

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Campaign with us

Whether its signing a petition, meeting your MP, or holding your an event, there are lots of way you can transform the lives of people affected by mental illness & their carers. Join our movement today.

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Become a member

For just £6 a year you can become a member of Rethink Mental Illness and have a say in how the charity is run, get our regular magazine and attend our events and conferences. Sign up today.

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