CSR: Rethink mental health response
Expansion of psychological therapies:
“We welcome the government’s commitment to expanding access to talking therapies but at the moment it’s not clear whether this expansion will be across the whole mental health spectrum. We urge the government to make sure it includes severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in any expansion of psychological therapy. Not only will this save the NHS money, but would demonstrate a commitment to supporting the most vulnerable in society.”
On diversion from the criminal justice system for people with mental illness:
“Thousands of people with severe mental illness who have been unfairly detained in prison will finally get the health treatment they need. We know that diverting people from the criminal justice system into treatment can result in financial savings across the public sector and give people a chance of recovery. Where diversion is not appropriate, we would like to see an increased use of community sentences which include a mental health treatment requirement.”
Employment Support Allowance:
“The government plans to limit ESA to one year for some claimants who have been assessed as able to undertake work related activity. This highlights the importance of a fair and accurate test to determine individuals’ capability to work. People who are too disabled by their mental health condition to work must be assessed appropriately and placed in the group where there is no requirement to seek work related activity.
“This also raises the issue of employer discrimination. Many people with mental health problems who are able to work find that employers won’t give them a chance. Others struggle to have the reasonable adjustments they need put into place so that they can do the job. Fear of stigma can really hold people back: more than six in ten employers say they wouldn’t employ someone who has been affected by mental illness.”
For further comment call 020 7840 3138.
Katie Leason
PR Manager
Rethink
Tel: 020 7840 3138
Working together to help everyone affected by severe mental illness recover a better quality of life.
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