Rethink Mental Illness began more than 50 years ago with a small group of families who were simply trying to look after someone they loved. They were caring for people living with schizophrenia, often feeling isolated and unsure where to turn for help. Out of that mix of love and worry grew a determination to find better care and support for their loved ones, and the beginnings of our charity.
From the start, everything we've done has been shaped by the experiences of real people; those living with mental illness, carers, friends and family. Their honesty and courage guide us every step of the way. Because of them, we're able to help thousands of people each year find support, understanding and a sense of not being alone.
We've created trusted information and advice that people can rely on in their hardest moments. We've built services and groups that offer support, connection and hope. And we've developed training that helps communities and professionals understand mental illness with more compassion and confidence.
Over the years, we've also stood up and spoken out, challenging stigma, shifting attitudes and pushing for a society that treats people severely affected by mental illness with dignity and respect. None of this would have been possible without the voices and experiences of the people at the heart of our work.
And that same spirit is still what drives us today.
Some highlights of what we've achieved together over the past decade
2025 - Reform of the Mental Health Act
After more than 40 years of campaigning by Rethink and many others in the sector, the Mental Health Bill passed through Parliament and received Royal Assent, becoming law. This was a landmark moment for mental health rights, updating old outdated laws about what happens when someone is detained under the Mental Health Act. The new Act aims to put choice, dignity and respect at the heart of compulsory care. Key changes include the introduction of Advance Choice Documents, enabling individuals to set out their treatment preferences in advance, preferences that services must take into account. People with lived experience have been central to this journey; their expertise and determination drove the movement for reform from the very beginning.
2021 - Commitment to become anti-racist
The murder of George Floyd on May 25 2020 sparked global outrage and led many organisations, including ours, to reflect on our role in tackling racism. It prompted honest conversations and a recognition that we needed to truly become an actively anti-racist organisation. For us, this means putting fairness at the centre of everything we do. It means campaigning for better mental health support for people from racially minoritised communities, working with them to co-design the services they need and challenging the inequalities that lead to poor mental health. It also means creating a work place that is truly inclusive and actively anti-racist; one that makes sure everyone has fair experiences, equal opportunities and the chance to progress at every level of the charity.
2019 - Building communities that care
We published our 'Building Communities That Care' report, which sets out a plan of how to support people severely affected by mental illness in their local communities. It highlights that many people don't have access to the wider support they need; things like supported housing, help with finding work, debt advice or independent advocacy. When this support isn't available, people's mental health can get worse and they may feel unsure about where to go for help. Our research found that people want more support in these areas. The report explains that when we support people, we give them the chance to thrive, not just survive. This idea is at the heart of our 2023-28 strategy.