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Responding to the news of the new Mental Health Bill being introduced to Parliament, our Chief Executive, Sarah McIntosh, said:
“Today’s introduction of the Mental Health Bill is a long-overdue step towards creating a mental health system that better meets the needs of society. One in four people in England experience a mental health problem each year. Alongside this, more than 1.9 million people are currently waiting for mental health care. It is therefore critical that mental health receives the same level of attention, funding, and prioritisation as physical health.
The proposed changes to the Mental Health Act, including the introduction of statutory care and treatment plans, giving patients greater say in their care, and limiting the inappropriate detention of people with autism and learning disabilities, mark a significant improvement in safeguarding dignity and choice. These steps bring us closer to a system that respects individuals' mental health needs with the same seriousness and compassion as physical health conditions.
Reform alone is not enough though. Robust funding is crucial to making these changes effective and sustainable. Adequate resources are needed to address the backlog of patients waiting for care, fund mental health crisis hubs, and ensure 24/7 access to emergency mental health support. Without the proper funding, this reform will fall short of its transformative potential, risking continued inequalities and delays in care.
Furthermore, early intervention must be a top priority. By investing in preventative services and mental health hubs for young people, we can support individuals before they reach crisis points, reducing the overall demand on mental health services and improving outcomes across generations. The government’s commitment to early intervention in schools and workplaces is essential to preventing mental health issues from worsening, and empowering people to manage their mental health proactively.
We also need continued commitment from the government to address the societal factors that often underlie mental health issues, including poverty, inequality, racism, and injustice. Tackling the root causes will be key to reducing disparities in mental health treatment and outcomes and ensuring that support is available to those who need it most.
MHFA England® is encouraged by the reforms and is ready to work with the government to make equality between physical and mental health a reality. By committing to meaningful funding, early intervention, and tackling the root causes of poor mental health, the government can create lasting, positive change in mental health care. This is an opportunity to improve the mental health of the nation and create a society where mental health care is accessible, compassionate, and just as important as physical health care.”