Mind launches General Election manifesto
Mind has today launched its manifesto for the General Election 2015, Take action for better mental health.
The charity is calling on the next government to make six commitments to improve the lives of everyone affected by mental health problem:
•Reduce mental health stigma and discrimination and continue to support the Time to Change campaign
•Mandate the NHS in England to offer talking therapies to everyone who needs them within 28 days of referral
•Ensure everyone gets safe, speedy and accessible crisis care whenever they need it, no matter where they turn
•Transform the support for people who are not working because of their mental health and create a system that really helps them to overcome the barriers they face
•Increase the overall NHS mental health budget by a minimum of 10 per cent in real terms over five years
•Implement a national strategy that helps everyone to take care of their mental wellbeing
Paul Farmer, Chief Executive of Mind, said:
"Staying mentally healthy is one of the biggest challenges we all face today. Mental health problems can affect anyone, no matter what their background. In fact, 1 in 4 people experience a mental health problem every year. In England alone, the cost of mental health problems in terms of treatment, loss of earnings and welfare is approximately £105 billion a year.
"We believe everyone experiencing a mental health problem should get both support and respect. The government has an enormous role in making sure this happens and in May 2015, Britain goes to the polls to vote for the next government. In our manifesto, we set out the policies we want the next Government to adopt immediately, in the mid-term and by the end of its five year term. The task is large, but if the Government gets it right the rewards will be far-reaching.
"Attitudes towards mental health problems are beginning to change, momentum is building and we've now reached a critical moment in determining the future of mental health and wellbeing in our country. This is our time to build a better future for mental health."
Read the manifesto, join us and take action.
