Mental health charity boss backs good news modernisation and urges more funding
By Jill Dando News
A mental health CEO has backed Government changes to the Mental Health Act and has now called for more urgent funding.
The Government’s changes outlined in the King’s Speech will aim to bring the Mental Health Act "into the 21st century with people detained having greater choice and rights.
Now Dawn Carey of Mental Health charity In Charley’s Memory based in Somerset, said it is welcome news but the Government needs to go further to help save lives.
Dawn Carey from 'In Charley's Memory' said: "This is very welcome news from the government. Modernisation is vital but also we need huge and significant urgent investment into mental health in schools and in the wider community.
“Charities such as ours get no funding and the statistics are never seen about how serious the situation is. We would continue to encourage urgent and targeted investment to help millions of lives.
“We are driven by the passion to ensure there are no more Charley's."
In Charley’s Memory has grown incredibly fast in recent years after rocketing demand for its services across Somerset.
Dawn has welcomed changes to The Mental Health Bill which aims to empower patients and put them at the centre of care decisions, amending the "woefully out of date" Mental Health Act 1983.
Key changes include:
- Revised detention criteria
- Shortened detention periods with more frequent reviews
- Limited detention of people with learning disabilities and autism
- Removal of police stations and prisons as places of safety
- Statutory weight to patients' right to be involved in care planning
- Introduction of a nominated person to replace the nearest relative
- Faster access to care for offenders with severe mental health problems
These reforms were previously shelved by the Conservative government in November.
Labour noted the changes incorporate most recommendations from Professor Sir Simon Wessely's 2017 independent review.
Mental health charities welcomed the news:
Dr Sarah Hughes, Mind CEO, called it a "once-in-a-generation opportunity" but emphasised the need for funding and resources.
For more from Jill Dando News click here
