The government has today published a draft bill which aims to improve care and treatment for people experiencing a mental health crisis. 

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

“The publication of the Mental Health Bill is a cause for celebration. It is the culmination of many years of campaigning to reform crucial legislation that supports and protects people when they are most unwell and often in crisis. Further to the contribution of thousands of people with lived experience and colleagues across the sector, we will finally have a Mental Health Act fit for the 21st century. It will give people more choice, dignity, and involvement in their care. In due course the Bill will progress its way through Parliament when it will be scrutinised and debated in detail. Our collective challenge will be to ensure it treats everyone fairly, delivers on its commitment to address racial inequalities, and ultimately that it becomes law.”

The draft Mental Health Bill will now be scrutinised by a parliamentary committee before a final version is published.