New PM must have bold vision for mental health or lives will be lost

Rethink Mental Illness has commented on the need for the new prime minister Liz Truss to prioritise mental health with a bold vision which goes beyond the NHS.

Mark Winstanley, Chief Executive of Rethink Mental Illness, said:

“The new prime minister begins her role as a perfect storm hits the nation's mental health. The cost of living crisis weighs heavy on the minds of the public following a prolonged pandemic, and record numbers of people are coming forward for support with their mental health. The NHS and social care services face immense pressure, meaning too many people experiencing mental illness can’t get treatment and support when they need it most. At this critical time, we need the new prime minister to prioritise mental health with a bold vision, rather than taking a sticking plaster approach. Improving mental health goes beyond the NHS alone, and the prime minister must work across government departments to provide support in the wider areas which affect our wellbeing, such as housing, employment, finances and our physical health. Without action, mental health will decline across the country, and lives will be cut short.”

Last week the Mental Health Policy Group, made up of six national organisations including Rethink Mental Illness, published a mental health manifesto of key areas the new prime minister must address in order to improve the lives of people experiencing mental illness and the mental health of the nation. Read here.