We respond to MPs' recommendations for community mental health services

The Health and Social Care Committee has warned that the government risks missing a 'golden opportunity' to transform community mental health services, following an inquiry into the issue which our charity gave evidence to.

Mark Winstanley, Chief Executive of Rethink Mental Illness, said: 

“The Health and Social Care Committee’s report offers a troubling and timely portrait of the current state of community mental health services, with the experiences of those living with severe mental illness rightly front and centre.

“Given the near-record levels of people currently waiting for community mental health treatment, with many experiencing a rapid descent into increasingly severe mental ill-health in the absence of support, the recommendations from the Committee have never been more vital. 

“We were pleased to have had the valuable opportunity to provide evidence to the Committee earlier this year. Since then, new research by the charity has found that many people have fallen into crisis, lost work, required hospitalisation and attempted to take their own lives amid lengthy waits for treatment. The Committee’s recommendation for a 24/7 neighbourhood health centre in every community would help ensure people receive the right treatment at the right time, with potentially life-saving results. 

“While the NHS has been given targets to treat physical health conditions more quickly, there is no similar directive for mental health. As recommended by the Committee, implementing national access and waiting time standards for community mental health services would mean that mental health is a priority.

“We welcome this report and urge government to consider its conclusions and recommendations urgently.”