Mind reacts to UK government's mental health bill announcement
By Jill Dando News
The government has today announced details of a new Mental Health Bill.
The new bill will, according to the government, “give patients sectioned under the Mental Health Act more dignity and say over their care”.
Among proposed reforms are:
- The introduction of statutory care and treatment plans
- The end of the use of prison cells to place people experiencing a mental health crisis
- Updates to Community Treatment Orders, which disproportionately impact black people
Mind's response
In response to the government’s announcement, Dr Sarah Hughes, Chief Executive of Mind, said:
“Today’s introduction of the Mental Health Bill brings us a step closer to a more progressive mental health system for the 50,000 people who are sectioned each year – but we still need to look at whether it will fully go the distance for meaningful change. The Bill has the potential to be an historic moment for people with the most serious mental health problems and their loved ones, as well as the clinicians and experts who have fought tirelessly to bring the outdated Mental Health Act 1983 into the twenty-first century.
“The introduction of statutory care and treatment plans and the removal of police and prison cells as ‘places of safety’ are vital in creating a step change in how people are supported at times of crisis and as they live with enduring mental illness. However, the systemic racism enabled by the Mental Health Act was one of the key drivers behind these reforms. Those of us from racialised communities are still disproportionately impacted by restrictive and unfair practice and poor outcomes, and this shames us all. We must address this.
“The announcement today marks a significant moment, but we know there is more to do and questions to ask about whether this will go far enough to fix the broken system as we know it. The mental health emergency we are facing will need much more than a reformed Act. It will demand radical and brave action from government alongside proper funding, and we at Mind are ready to help, but more importantly advocate for and amplify the voices of those most impacted.”
