'Change is needed': Our response to Mental Health Act statistics for 2023/24

NHS England has today published data on use of the Mental Health Act, the legislation which allows for people to be treated without their consent, in the year 2023 to 2024.

Lucy Schonegevel, Director of Policy and Practice at Rethink Mental Illness, said:

“The increase in detentions under the Mental Health Act is a reminder of the continued high pressure on people’s mental health and the services that support people in crisis. 

“We should be deeply concerned that detention rates are so high for young people aged 18-34, and how these early episodes of poor mental health will shape the rest of their lives. Equally, Black people continue to face significant inequity as they are more likely to be detained under the Act or given a Community Treatment Order, and more needs to be done to address racial injustice within mental health services. 

“Government has rightly recognised the need for urgent reform of this outdated legislation that detains people when they are unwell, but today’s data serves as a reminder of why change is needed to ensure people can quickly receive treatment that puts them on the path to recovery, keeping themselves and others safe.

“We must never forget that behind the statistics are many people living with mental illness who have their choice and dignity stripped away from them when they’re in crisis. Reform of the Act will improve trust in the system, better prevent people from falling into crisis, and ultimately keep people safer.”