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 severely affected by mental illness has a good quality of life.

Christmas 2021 Appeal

Help us give people with mental illness the warmest of welcomes.

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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

Our latest blogs

Tips for coping with our second Covid-19 Christmas

08/12/2021

As thoughts turn to a second festive season under the pandemic, Peer from our Digital team shares his tips for coping with a not-so socially distanced Xmas.

07/12/2021

After years of campaigning, Seni’s Law was enacted on 7 December 2021. Our Policy Manager, Will Johnstone, talks about the journey to getting the law passed, the difference we hope it can make in mental health units and how this is just the beginning for making services more safe – particularly for people from Black backgrounds.

23/11/2021

Our Associate Director for Criminal Justice & Mental Health Navigation Services, Jonathan Munro, talks us through a recent report which reviewed the criminal justice system for those of us who experience mental health conditions.

22/11/2021

How do you cope when both you and your partner have severe depression? Bren, now in her 70s, explains that talking about their ‘bad days’ has meant her relationship has happily lasted 20 years (and counting).

16/11/2021

Each year, at our Members' Day, we pick out some of the amazing work done by our supporters and commend them for the difference they’ve made to the lives of people severely affected by mental illness. This Q&A is shining the spotlight on the winner of our Janey Antoniou award, Nkasi Stoll. We caught up with Nkasi to find out a bit more about the inspiring work she’s been doing over the last 12 months.

16/11/2021

We spoke to colleagues in our dedicated Black Asian and Minoritised Ethnic (BAME) support services in Bristol and Kent about racism in the mental health system and why it is so important to have dedicated services for people from ethnic minorities.

12/11/2021

Despite striving to work when she can, Linda's diagnoses of bipolar disorder, anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder have led to her not being well enough to work. Accessing benefits has been a necessity to get by, but the tricky system has often exacerbated the symptoms of her mental illness rather than easing her money worries. Here's her story.

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How we are making a difference

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.

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 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.

Read about our campaigns