Press Archive

Bereaved relatives and leading mental health charity call on DWP Secretary of State to launch public inquiry into benefits deaths and serious harm

Families who have lost loved ones in cases where the Department for Work and Pensions has been implicated in their death, have today written to the Secretary of State, Thérèse Coffey to demand a public inquiry into deaths and serious harm related to the benefits system.

Reforming the Mental Health Act: our reaction to the governments response to consultation

Today, Thursday 15 July, the government published its response to the Mental Health Act consultation. Mark Winstanley, CEO of Rethink Mental Illness responds.

Rethink Mental Illness statement on the killing of Dalian Atkinson

Today, 23 June 2021, a jury at Birmingham crown court convicted PC Benjamin Monk of the manslaughter of Dalian Atkinson in 2016. Dalian, a former professional footballer, was unwell and experiencing a mental health crisis when he was killed.

Becoming an anti-racist organisation - progress update May 2021

Next week is the first anniversary of the murder of George Floyd by a white police officer in Minneapolis. In the days and weeks that followed, the global response to this horrendous event forced us to confront our own shortcomings in challenging racism.

Primary and community mental health services to be improved with £1m investment

£1million will be invested in to primary and community mental health services in Sheffield over the next three years.The national charity, Rethink Mental Illness, has selected Sheffield to be one of four national sites in England to develop new models of delivering mental health care with voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs).

Rethink Mental Illness welcomes NHSE commissioned review of Serenity Integrated Mentoring (SIM) by relevant Mental Health Trusts

Response of Associate Director of Policy and Practice, Lucy Schonegevel, to the NHS England commissioned review into SIM.

Tragic loss of Philippa Day reinforces urgent need for an independent inquiry into benefit deaths

Deputy CEO Brian Dow reacts to the calls for an independent inquiry into benefits deaths after the tragic loss of Philippa Day.

Overwhelming majority of people severely affected by mental illness report discrimination still widespread

The need to tackle stigma and discrimination experienced by people severely affected by mental illness has been laid bare in a new survey by the charity Rethink Mental Illness. Here's our reaction to the findings.

Rethink Mental Illness statement on High Intensity Networks

In recent weeks we have become aware of growing and serious concerns about the High Intensity Networks/the Serenity Integrated Mentoring (SIM) model, which is being used in some parts of the country.

Rethink Mental Illness reaction to Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities Report

Today, 31 March 2021, The Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities released its report looking at racial inequality in education, employment, crime and policing, and health in the UK.

Demand for mental health advice soars in year after first lockdown

Rethink Mental Illness warn that NHS and social care mental health services need to be ready to meet increased demand for support from people whose mental health has been severely impacted by the pandemic.

Rethink Mental Illness responds to White Paper on Health & Care

CEO Mark Winstanley gives his response to the government's white paper: Integration and Innovation: working together to improve health and social care for all.

Mental Health Act white paper signals reform

The government will today unveil a white paper, setting out its plans to reform the Mental Health Act. This will be the first time the act has significantly changed since 1983.

Rethink Mental Illness responds to new Public Health England data

Yesterday, Public Health England released new data that reveals for the first time that people severely affected by mental illness are 4.5 times more likely to die before the age of 75, with significant regional variations.

Rethink Mental Illness responds to "Monitoring the Mental Health Act in 2019/20"

Today saw the release of the report, Monitoring the Mental Health Act in 2019/20, produced by the Care Quality Commission.

Rethink Mental Illness welcomes government winter mental health plan and commitment to additional funding

"This announcement demonstrates that the groundswell of people and organisations calling for a new social contract on mental health is being heard."

New polling reveals scale of public support for suspending benefit sanctions during the pandemic

New online research for Rethink Mental Illness shows a majority of 6 in 10 UK adults (59%) support their call for the government to suspend sanctions on claimants of Universal Credit for the next six months.

Rethink Mental Illness response to new Covid-19 national lockdown

The government announced another national lockdown in efforts to lessen the number of coronavirus cases on Saturday evening. Here's our response.

Charity warns rising demand for support signals a looming mental health crisis, urges people to seek support if they’re struggling

Charity warns rising demand for support signals a looming mental health crisis, urges people to seek support if they’re struggling

Rethink Mental Illness responds to Time to Change closure

Time to Change has sadly announced that its campaign will be ending on 31 March 2021. Here's our CEO, Mark Winstanley, outlining our response to the news.

£400 million pledged to remove dormitories from mental health facilities

The government has pledged funding to remove dormitories from mental health facilities. This will replace outdated mental health dormitories with single en-suite rooms. Take a look at our CEO's reaction.

Mental Health Act powers to be dropped from the Coronavirus Act

Matt Hancock today announced that a Schedule of the Coronavirus Act would be removed. This temporarily amended the Mental Health Act in making changes to the number of healthcare professionals required to assess individuals and the timeframes that they were subject to.

Rethink Mental Illness responds to new Office for National Statistics figures on suicides in 2019

The Office for National Statistics published new figures this morning into the number of deaths by suicide that occurred in 2019.

Rethink Mental Illness responds to plans for a new National Institute for Health Protection

Statement on DWP sanctions and work-conditionality

Our statement on the DWP announcement that work conditionality will be returning from 1st July 2020.

Joint statement on work-related conditionality and sanctions

With the UK facing the risk of the biggest increase in unemployment in a generation, we are calling for a further 6 month suspension of work related conditionality and sanctions.

Prime Minister urged to create new Mental Health Renewal Plan for England

Failure to undertake “routine but life-saving” physical health checks for people with mental illness must come to end post-lockdown, urges charity

Rethink Mental Illness is calling on health professionals and GPs in particular to learn from the crisis of Covid-19 as lockdown eases, taking urgent action to meet NHS targets for essential physical health checks for people with severe mental illness, as a survey from the charity highlights the acute impact of the pandemic on people living with mental illness.

People living with severe mental illness at heightened risk of relapse or crisis during pandemic

Rethink Mental Illness says improved access to mental health services must be prioritised as the country continues to navigate out of lockdown in a new briefing published today which highlights the acute impact of the pandemic on people living with severe mental illness.

80% of people living with mental illness say current crisis has made their mental health worse.

Rethink Mental Illness is highlighting the importance of sustained investment in mental health services and calling for mental health to be a government priority during the pandemic.

Somerset provides rapid response to offer mental health support during Covid-19 pandemic

The Somerset Mental Health Alliance has expanded its services to support adults and older people who may be struggling with their mental health as the county responds to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Charities call for an independent inquiry into welfare related deaths

21 leading charities and mental health organisations, including Mind, Liberty and the Trussell Trust are backing a campaign by Rethink Mental Illness calling for an independent inquiry into the deaths of vulnerable people who rely on support from the welfare system.

Mental health rehabilitation must be transformed so most vulnerable are no longer invisible in the system

Patients with the most severe and enduring mental health problems are effectively “invisible” in the health care system, reveals a new report published by Rethink Mental Illness and the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych).

Debate on decriminalisation of cannabis for recreational use must take into account the potential for public harm

Rethink Mental Illness is calling on policy makers to ensure the debate around the legalisation of cannabis for recreational purposes reflects the likely impact on the most vulnerable in society and those at greater risk of, or living with, severe mental illness.

Somerset to be a trailblazer for mental health care

A new alliance of charities has been formed to develop a bold new community-based mental health support service for Somerset residents.

Mental Health UK and Lloyds Banking Group launch new programme to tackle mental health challenge in young people across the UK

Mental Health UK and Lloyds Banking Group launch a new project to support the mental health of young people as part of their partnership which will continue for an additional year.

Therapy dogs should be more widely available in prisons to improve wellbeing and self harm, says new report

Therapy dogs can help prisoners to restore their mental health and reduce the risk of serious self-harm, according to a report published today.

Section 117 After-care & Personal Health Budgets

From 2nd December 2019 you can get a personal health budget if you are entitled to section 117 after-care. Before this date only people who got Continuing Healthcare could have a personal health budget. We will update this page as more information become available.

Rethink Mental Illness responds to new Mental Health Act figures

New figures from NHS Digital today show an estimated 2% rise in the number of detentions under the Mental Health Act 1983. This increase means more people are being treated for a mental illness without their consent – potentially being subject to forced medical treatment, coercion and a lack of choice about their care.

Rethink Mental Illness responds to commitment to reform Mental Health Act in Queen's Speech

It is vital that the White Paper that has been promised is published before the end of the year. We hope to see the recommendations of the Wessely Review implemented along with a funding commitment to upgrade mental health units to better protect and care for the thousands of people subject to the Mental Health Act every year.

The Invisible Pain: HOME screens film on local man’s journey with mental illness

Following World Mental Health Day (October 10), HOME in Manchester will be screening a short documentary called The Invisible Pain, which tells the story of local man Jonathan Hayward’s journey to understand his upbringing in the city, his family background and his experience of mental illness.

Our response to NHSE Publication of The Community Mental Health Framework for Adults and Older Adults

We know that people experiencing significant challenges to their mental health are likely to find that it impacts on every aspect of their lives, facing problems which cannot be improved by medication or talking therapies alone.

Suicide rate rises for first time since 2013

For the first time in six years, the suicide rate in the UK has risen according to new data published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) today.

Government announces steps towards a better Mental Health Act

It is another step towards a better Mental Health Act, replacing the obsolete Act of 1983. The success of the next prime minister will be judged in large part on whether they continue to move this forward and stop people needlessly being detained or losing rights just because they are unwell

Rethink Mental Illness responds to CQC report on learning from deaths in care

In the pursuit of a first class mental healthcare system, we must always celebrate examples of good practice. Following the release of the CQC’s report into learning from deaths in care, a review of the national framework that we contributed to, it is clear that there are many instances of good practice.

Not being able to talk to friends about caring leaves one in three unpaid carers socially isolated

Seven national charities, including Rethink Mental Illness, come together to launch theme for Carers Week 2019, the UK’s drive to raise awareness of caring.

Rethink Mental Illness welcomes new NHS waiting times for mental health services

Largest survey of its kind reveals extent of university students’ struggles with thoughts of self-harm, loneliness and anxiety

Rethink Mental Illness responds to to CQC report

Today the CQC released a report that looked into the standard of the delivery of mental health care in England. It is a vital barometer against which we can check how well the nation is doing.

Rethink Mental Illness responds to the NHS Long Term Funding Plan

We are delighted that the Prime Minister and the Chief Executive of the NHS are prioritising mental health in the Long Term Plan. Rethink Mental Illness and numerous other organisations have been campaigning for many years to ensure there is parity between mental and physical health.

Mental Health Policy Group responds to the NHS Long Term Plan published today

We welcome the commitment for mental health services to grow at a faster rate than the overall NHS budget, with a new ringfenced local investment fund worth at least £2.3 billion a year by 2023/24.

Principles for mental health in the Long-Term NHS Plan - A Consensus Statement

The Mental Health Policy Group, of which Rethink Mental Illness is a member, is pleased to present the following Consensus Statement to improving the lives of people with mental health problems.

Time to Change: Nearly 9 in 10 young people would tell friends and family they are ‘fine’ even if struggling with a mental health problem

New research released by the mental health anti-stigma campaign, Time to Change, reveals that when asked, nearly nine in ten (88%) 16-24-year-olds would tell friends and family they are ‘fine’, even if struggling with a mental health problem, such as depression or anxiety

It's A Wonderful Line

For Christmas 2018 we took our message of hope and understanding across the UK thanks to our partnership with Virgin Trains and their It’s A Wonderful Line campaign. Over three weeks, Virgin Trains will painted the script of the 1946 classic film ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ on their platforms, from London Euston to Glasgow Central.

Our response to NHS digital report about children and young people's mental health

It’s sad to see the number of children and young people with mental health problems going up and not down, although not surprising. Over the years we have heard from countless people about how their mental health problems started in childhood but they didn’t get the right help until much later on.

Our response to the Independent Review of the Mental Health Act published today

Today, 6 December, the Independent Review of the Mental Health Act published its final report with around 150 recommendations for change. We are really pleased to hear that the Prime Minister has welcomed the Review and that the Government plans to bring forward a new mental health bill.

The more mentally unwell you are, the longer you wait for care, according to a new damning report by charity Rethink Mental Illness

People with lifelong, severe and complex conditions like schizophrenia and borderline personality disorder are waiting an average of 14 weeks for an assessment, leaving some feeling suicidal.

Huge regional variation in the numbers of people subject to the Mental Health Act

New analysis of NHS Digital data by the charity Rethink Mental Illness reveals huge regional variation in the numbers of people subject to the Mental Health Act – in some areas almost three times the national average.

Eating disorders: Why prevention and early intervention are crucial

Approximately 1.6 million people are diagnosed with an eating disorder in the UK and recent reearch shows that people aged between 14-25 are most likely to be affected. For Eating Disorders Week, Hannah Lewis and Sophie Ulhaq from our co-production team look at why early intervention is key to helping young people get the help they need.

The dismissal of Megan Markle’s experiences is unacceptable

The dismissal of Megan Markle’s experiences is unacceptable

Rethink Mental Illness responds to release of new ONS statistics

Mental Health Plea

Today Rethink Mental Illness along with five other mental health charities have had a letter published in The Times asking Conservative leadership candidates to confirm they will deliver the Government’s commitment to a new Mental Health Act.

Time to Change: Two thirds of people feel they have no one to talk to about personal problems such as mental health

New figures, released on Time to Talk Day (1 February), reveal two thirds (66%) of people in the UK feel they have no one to talk to when it comes to personal conversations on topics such as mental health, money problems and relationships. When asked why, the top reasons were: never being able to find the right time, or the right place.

Our response to figures about hospital admissions for mental health and drug problems

NHS figures released about hospital admissions with a primary diagnosis of drug-related mental health and behavioural disorders show that there were 7,545 hospital admissions with a primary diagnosis of drug-related mental health and behavioural disorders. This is 12% lower than 2015/16 but 12% higher than 2006/07

Our response to new report on personality disorders

A report about people with personality disorders was launched today by Manchester University's National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Homocide by People with Mental Illness.

Our response to the ESA and PIP Committee report published today

In September 2017, the cross-party Work and Pensions Select Committee put out a call for evidence on the medical assessments for disability benefits PIP and ESA carried out for the Department of Work and Pensions by private contractors Capita, Atos and Maximus.

We support the #RecoverySpace campaign for people battling debts while in hospital going through a mental health crisis

New analysis of national data by the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute estimates that 23,000 people in England were struggling in problem debt last year whilst in hospital for their mental health.

Rethink Mental Illness responds to new antidepressants study

We have seen for a long time how effective antidepressants can be for some people, so it is encouraging to see such a large scale study confirming how these treatments can help.

Rethink Mental Illness responds to new report on the Mental Health Act

Rethink Mental Illness responds to Monitoring the Mental Health Act 2016/17 by the CQC.

50 percent of the British public cannot correctly identify Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder affects around one in every 100 people in the UK and can manifest itself in numerous different ways. Perhaps it’s no surprise then that despite our improved understanding of mental health, 50 per cent couldn’t hone in on the signs that point to the condition.

Rethink Mental Illness publishes new report on experiences of detention under the Mental Health Act

Being detained under Mental Health Act shouldn’t mean that you lose your dignity or the chance to have a say in your care and treatment. However, our new report on people’s experiences of being detained under the Act shows that all too often this is the case.

Our response to the Anticholinergic drugs research

A new study published today, 26th April 2018,  has reported a "robust" link between certain anticholinergic medications and a hightened risk of developing dementia later in life.

Rethink Mental Illness responds to major new study on genetic risk factor for depression

This major study is another important piece of the jigsaw in our understanding of what depression is and what the genetic risk factors might be. While we cannot discount social or economic factors when it comes to mental illness, it is encouraging to see quality research helping to fill in the gaps.

Response to new report from the Independent Review of the Mental Health Act

This landmark review confirms what we have long known: that there are serious problems with the Mental Health Act. People who have been detained under the Act have been telling us how it fails to protect their rights and dignity, and how they are kept out of decisions about their own care.

Rethink Mental Illness responds to latest ONS suicide figures

Today the Office of National Statistics (ONS) published data on deaths in the UK in 2017 that were registered as suicides.

Young people and psychosis: Our new research says they are unaware of warning signs despite being most at risk

Rethink Mental Illness' bid to raise awareness of psychosis among young people as they start university, often a time of stress and change which can trigger mental health problems.

Time to Change: Three quarters of Brits would say they are ‘fine’ even if struggling with a mental health problem

New research released by the mental health anti-stigma campaign, Time to Change, reveals that when asked, over three quarters (78%) of us would tell friends and family we are ‘fine’, even if struggling with a mental health problem

Our response to today's announcement of a new ministerial position overseeing suicide prevention

A minister for suicide prevention has been appointed in England by the prime minister as the government hosts the global mental health summit, to coincide with World Mental Health Day.

Our response to the CQC's State of Care report

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has issued its State of Care report, their annual assessment of health and social care in England.

Prioritise services for adults with severe mental illness, says All Party Parliamentary Group on Mental Health

Adults with severe mental illnesses are struggling to get support, as ‘core’ mental health services have been left behind by the government’s mental health strategy.

Letter to Prime Minister: Now is the time to translate your commitments into ambitious and bold action

We have warmly welcomed your strong leadership on mental health. You have rightly committed to tackling the “burning injustice of mental illness” by delivering “a new approach from government and society as a whole” to achieve parity of esteem and outcomes.

Our response to today's Budget announcements on mental health

“The government’s commitment to securing parity between mental and physical health is welcome, but a report last week by the think tank IPPR, supported by Rethink Mental Illness, for the first time put the actual price tag of parity at an extra £4.1bn by 2023. That’s double what was announced today."