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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.
Find out more Rethink Mental Illness responds to White Paper on Health & Care
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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.
Find out more Mental Health Act white paper signals reform
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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.
Find out more Rethink Mental Illness responds to new Public Health England data
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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.
Find out more Rethink Mental Illness responds to "Monitoring the Mental Health Act in 2019/20"
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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."
Find out more Rethink Mental Illness welcomes government winter mental health plan and commitment to additional funding
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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.
Find out more New polling reveals scale of public support for suspending benefit sanctions during the pandemic
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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.
Find out more Rethink Mental Illness response to new Covid-19 national lockdown
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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
Find out more Charity warns rising demand for support signals a looming mental health crisis, urges people to seek support if they’re struggling
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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.
Find out more Rethink Mental Illness responds to Time to Change closure
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£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.
Find out more Rethink Mental Illness response: Money pledged to remove dormitories from mental health facilities
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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.
Find out more Mental Health Act powers to be dropped from the Coronavirus Act
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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.
Find out more Rethink Mental Illness responds to ONS statistics
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Rethink Mental Illness responds to plans for a new National Institute for Health Protection
Find out more Rethink Mental Illness responds to plans for a new National Institute for Health Protection
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Statement on DWP sanctions and work-conditionality
Our statement on the DWP announcement that work conditionality will be returning from 1st July 2020.
Find out more Statement on DWP sanctions and work-conditionality
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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.
Find out more Joint statement on work-related conditionality and sanctions
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Prime Minister urged to create new Mental Health Renewal Plan for England
Find out more Prime Minister urged to create new Mental Health Renewal Plan for England
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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.
Find out more Failure to undertake “routine but life-saving” physical health checks for people with mental illness must come to end post-lockdown, urges charity
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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.
Find out more People living with severe mental illness at heightened risk of relapse or crisis during pandemic
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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.
Find out more 80% of people living with mental illness say current crisis has made their mental health worse
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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.
Find out more Somerset provides rapid response to offer mental health support during Covid-19 pandemic
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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.
Find out more Charities call for an independent inquiry into welfare related deaths
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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).
Find out more Mental health rehabilitation must be transformed so most vulnerable are no longer invisible in the system
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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.
Find out more Debate on decriminalisation of recreational cannabis must include potential for public harm
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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.
Find out more Somerset to be a trailblazer for mental health care
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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.
Find out more Mental Health UK and Lloyds Banking Group launch new programme to tackle mental health challenge in young people across the UK
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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.
Find out more Therapy dogs should be more widely available in prisons to improve wellbeing and self harm, says new report
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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.
Find out more Section 117 After-care & Personal Health Budgets
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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.
Find out more Rethink Mental Illness responds to new Mental Health Act figures
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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.
Find out more Rethink Mental Illness responds to commitment to reform Mental Health Act in Queen's Speech
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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.
Find out more The Invisible Pain: HOME screens film on local man’s journey with mental illness
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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.
Find out more Our response to the NHSE Publication of The Community Mental Health Framework for Adults and Older Adults
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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.
Find out more Suicide rate rises for first time since 2013
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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
Find out more Government announces steps towards a better Mental Health Act
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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.
Find out more Rethink Mental Illness responds to CQC report on learning from deaths in care
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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.
Find out more Not being able to talk to friends about caring leaves one in three unpaid carers socially isolated
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Rethink Mental Illness welcomes new NHS waiting times for mental health services
Find out more Rethink Mental Illness welcomes new NHS waiting times for mental health services
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Largest survey of its kind reveals extent of university students’ struggles with thoughts of self-harm, loneliness and anxiety
Find out more Largest survey of its kind reveals extent of university students’ struggles with thoughts of self-harm, loneliness and anxiety
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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.
Find out more Rethink Mental Illness responds to to CQC report
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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.
Find out more Rethink Mental Illness responds to the NHS Long Term Funding Plan
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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.
Find out more Mental Health Policy Group responds to the NHS Long Term Plan published today
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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.
Find out more Principles for mental health in the Long-Term NHS Plan - A Consensus Statement
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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
Find out more 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
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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.
Find out more It's A Wonderful Line
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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.
Find out more Our response to NHS digital report about children and young people's mental health
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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.
Find out more Our response to the Independent Review of the Mental Health Act published today
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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.
Find out more The more mentally unwell you are, the longer you wait for care, according to a new damning report by charity Rethink Mental Illness
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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.
Find out more Huge regional variation in the numbers of people subject to the Mental Health Act
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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.
Find out more Eating disorders: Why prevention and early intervention are crucial
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Rethink Mental Illness responds to release of new ONS statistics
Find out more Rethink Mental Illness responds to release of new ONS stats
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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.
Find out more Our Mental Health Plea.
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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.
Find out more Time to Change: Two thirds of people feel they have no one to talk to about personal problems such as mental health
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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
Find out more Our response to figures about hospital admissions for mental health and drug problems
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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.
Find out more Our response to new report on personality disorders
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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.
Find out more Our response to the ESA and PIP Committee report published today
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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.
Find out more We support the #RecoverySpace campaign for people battling debts while in hospital going through a mental health crisis
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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.
Find out more Rethink Mental Illness responds to new antidepressants study
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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.
Find out more Rethink Mental Illness responds to new report on the Mental Health Act
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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.
Find out more 50 percent of the British public cannot correctly identify Bipolar Disorder
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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.
Find out more Rethink Mental Illness publishes new report on experiences of detention under the Mental Health Act
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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.
Find out more Our response to the Anticholinergic drugs research
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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.
Find out more Rethink Mental Illness responds to major new study on genetic risk factor for depression
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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.
Find out more Response to new report from the Independent Review of the Mental Health Act
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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.
Find out more Rethink Mental Illness responds to latest ONS suicide figures
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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.
Find out more Young people and psychosis: Our new research says they are unaware of warning signs despite being most at risk
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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
Find out more Time to Change: Three quarters of Brits would say they are ‘fine’ even if struggling with a mental health problem
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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.
Find out more Our response to today's announcement of a new ministerial position overseeing suicide prevention
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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.
Find out more Our response to the CQC's State of Care report
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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.
Find out more Prioritise services for adults with severe mental illness, says All Party Parliamentary Group on Mental Health
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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.
Find out more Letter to Prime Minister: Now is the time to translate your commitments into ambitious and bold action
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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."
Find out more Our response to today's Budget announcements on mental health