Our Response to the New Mental Health Bill
Today we welcome the new Mental Health Bill, which will be introduced in Parliament as a crucial step towards modernising the Mental Health Act.
We are pleased to see that people will be given more choice and control over their care, the end of police and prison cells for people experiencing mental health crises, inappropriate detention of people with autism and learning disabilities, and that the new Bill aims to tackle racial discrimination, as Black people are over three times more likely to be detained under the Act.
In response to today’s announcement, Kathy Roberts, Chief Executive at the Association of Mental Health Providers, said:
“We welcome the updates to the Mental Health Act which are vital in making the Act fit for the 21st century. For too long the original Act has disproportionally impacted marginalised communities, people with learning disabilities and autism have been inappropriately sectioned, and patients have had less control and choice over their care. In the pursuit of this reform, it is crucial to continue to advocate for a system that prioritizes the wellbeing of every person.
With mental health needs within communities growing, as well as demand for statutory and VCSE sector services, we are hopeful that the changes implemented by the new Mental Health Bill will give people experiencing mental ill health a voice, improving care and support across the UK.
We look forward to reading the government’s plan for resourcing and implementing the new Mental Health Bill and support calls for the creation of a Mental Health Commissioner to help ensure accountability for the Bill’s implementation and place mental health at the heart of government priorities.”