- News and stories
News and stories
For over fifty years we have been the voice of people severely affected by mental illness. Every year thousands of people see our media coverage, read our blogs and share the stories that matter to them. Take a look around our news and stories archive and be inspired today.
Latest press releases
Reform of Mental Health Act celebrated by campaigners
17/07/2024
Rethink Mental Illness welcome the inclusion of the Mental Health Bill in the King's Speech.
Read more Read moreNew survey reveals stark impact of NHS mental health treatment waiting times
25/06/2024
A new survey reveals many people's mental health is declining as they wait for care and treatment from mental health services. Read more here.
Read more Read moreRethink Mental Illness welcomes new NHS England Medical Director for Mental Health and Neurodiversity
03/06/2024
Dr Adrian James has been appointed to a new NHS England role focused on mental health and neurodiversity. Read our response here.
Read more Read moreWe respond to the new inquiry into the DWP's treatment of disabled people
22/05/2024
We respond to news that the Equality and Human Rights Commission has launched an inquiry into the DWP's treatment of disabled people including those living with mental illness. Read more here.
Read more Read morePIP: Government should focus on fixing health system, not stigmatising disabled people
29/04/2024
The government has led the headlines with plans to tighten access to Personal Independence Payments (PIP), a form of financial support which helps disabled people with living costs. Read our response here.
Read more Read moreOur response to Rishi Sunak's plan to reduce people being signed off sick from work
19/04/2024
Today the Prime Minister announced plans to address the rising numbers of people out of work, focused on reforming how people are assessed on their fitness to work. Read our response here.
Read more Read moreLatest personal stories
“You can still live a fulfilling, happy life despite schizophrenia” – Paul’s story
24/07/2024
After serving time in prison, Paul experienced a psychotic breakdown which later manifested into schizophrenia. For National Schizophrenia Awareness Day, Paul reflects on his long, yet inspiring journey.
Read more Read more“OCD felt like my protector” – Kiran’s story
15/07/2024
Kiran has lived with OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) since childhood. She debunks misconceptions of the illness, drawing attention to compulsions, perceived threats and avoidant behaviour.
Read more Read more“I am more than my bipolar disorder” – Vhea’s story
08/07/2024
After experiencing a manic episode, Vhea was detained under the Mental Health Act and diagnosed with bipolar disorder. With support from her family and friends, she now works as a mental health nurse and is hopeful for the future.
Read more Read more“I’ve seen the massive positives of using my lived experience”
01/07/2024
We are celebrating Co-production Week this week (1 July), hosted by the Social Care Institute for Excellence. Zoe, from the Rethink Mental Illness co-production team shares why co-production is so vital to the work we do.
Read more Read more“One thing the C-PTSD narrative lacks is hope” – Ida’s story
27/06/2024
For PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) Awareness Day, Ida powerfully captures her experience of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) and how she manages it.
Read more Read more“I finally have my spark back” – Cara’s story
20/06/2024
During university, Cara experienced psychosis for the first time. After a suicide attempt and multiple hospital admissions, Cara was supported by the Early Intervention team. She now works as a student mental health nurse and is the happiest she’s ever been.
Read more Read more“This charity and outreach programme has been a life buoy” – Noriko’s story
14/06/2024
For Carers Week, Noriko shares her difficulty adjusting to life in the UK, especially when her son James became ill. With carers support from Rethink Mental Illness, Noriko feels heard and less alone.
Read more Read moreLatest news and views
Partnership to raise awareness of mental health in the Black community launched
Rethink Mental Illness and Black Minds Matter have partnered to shine a light on the unique intersection of race and mental health for the Black community.
Read about the partnership Read about the partnershipMajor mental health reform included in the King's Speech
Rethink Mental Illness is delighted at the inclusion of the Mental Health Bill in today's King's Speech - marking a commitment to reforming the outdated Mental Health Act.
Read our thoughts Read our thoughtsNinja Theory kick £7,000 our way
The developers of a video game raising awareness of psychosis has donated £7,000 to Rethink Mental Illness. Ninja Theory, based in Cambridge, gave the generous gift after the release of Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II.
Learn more about the game Learn more about the gameA system in crisis V social causes of mental illness
Until we address the issues under the surface, we will continue to see increased demand on overstretched public services.
Read more Read moreMisconceptions about mental illness can be severely damaging
We’re fed up of the stigma people living with mental illness still have to endure. We asked people what misconception about their condition frustrates them most.
Here's what they said Here's what they saidOn the BBC
For Mental Health Awareness Week, Rethink Mental Illness featured on BBC News to discuss the benefits of exercising with a mental illness and the barriers to doing so.
Read more Read moreFitness instructors to be trained to help people with severe mental illness get active
We have partnered with industry-leading fitness company FitPro to remove the barriers to exercise for people living with mental illness.
Find out more Find out moreWhat the world needs to know about living with a mental illness
We asked people on social media what they wanted the world to know about living with a mental illness for Mental Health Awareness Week.
Here's what they said Here's what they saidCherished illustrator Raymond Briggs leaves gift in his Will
We are honoured to share that we are one of three charities left a gift in the will of beloved author and illustrator Raymond Briggs CBE, a lifetime member of our charity.
Read about Raymond Briggs Read about Raymond BriggsTeam Rethink shines at the London Marathon
A squad of superstar runners tackled the iconic London Marathon 2025 to raise over £61,000 for Rethink Mental Illness.
Read about the London Marathon Read about the London MarathonAwesome runners raise more than £22,000
A team of 37 runners tackled the London Landmarks Half Marathon on Sunday 7 April and raised a whopping £22,828 for Rethink Mental Illness.
Read about the event Read about the eventRethink Mental Illness wins gold
We are delighted to announce that Rethink Mental Illness & North West London ICB has been officially named as the “Gold” winner of the Best Mental Health Partnership with the NHS at the HSJ Partnership Awards 2024.
Read more Read moreHas mental health culture gone too far?
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Mel Stride, today said to the Daily Telegraph that "mental health culture has gone too far”. We disagree.
Read our thoughts Read our thoughtsThe truth of being a young carer
For Young Carers Action Day we found out what it's really like being a young carer for someone living with mental illness.
Read more Read moreTips for supporting young people with a mental illness
For #ChildrensMentalHealthWeek, our social media team asked young people living with mental illness to share tips for being there for the young people in your life.
Read more Read moreWalking in a Wellness Wonderland
Over 500 people in Leek were treated to a stunning wellbeing Christmas light show this week courtesy of the team at the John Hall Wellness Gardens.
Read more Read moreWelfare and employment announcements: what's changed?
The government recently released a series of new welfare and employment policies that may be distressing for many. We strongly oppose the approach to getting people back into work and the potential loss of financial support for people living with mental illness.
Read more Read moreRethink Mental Illness nominated for inclusivity award
Our work to become a truly diverse, inclusive and anti-racist organisation has been recognised with a nomination at the Inclusive Awards 2023.
Read more Read moreThe R;pple effect
Rethink Mental Illness has installed revolutionary suicide safeguarding software to all staff devices.
Read more Read moreNHS Long-Term Workforce Plan: The positives and negatives
A look at the positives and negatives coming out of the government's long-term plan for the NHS workforce and how it will affect people living with mental illness.
Read more Read moreHow the Government’s Health and Disability White Paper Affects People Living with Mental Illness
Julia Aggio, Senior Policy Officer for Rethink Mental Illness, discusses the government’s recent Health and Disability White Paper.
Read more Read moreOur supporters
Learn who our celebrity supporters and ambassadors are, and how they’re helping us improve the lives of everyone severely affected by mental illness.
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