Leading mental health charity Mind comments on a new Healthcare Commission survey highlighting the continuing social exclusion faced by people with mental health problems.
Marcus Roberts, Head of Policy at Mind said:
“This survey does show some positive progress. We are pleased that more people are now being offered copies of their care plans, that access to emergency out of hours care over the phone is growing and that many people are experiencing improved relationships with their psychiatrists.”
“But, there are still too many cries for help by mental health service users going unanswered. People with mental health problems want to work and to contribute fully to their community but this survey has shown that only 49 per cent are offered help in finding employment which may account for why only 20 per cent are actually in paid work.”
“It is also worrying that, despite NICE guidelines, talking treatments are still not accessible to many service users. A third of people who requested counselling were told that it was unavailable which is just not acceptable. The inadequate provision of out-of-hours care is still a cause for concern too, with half of service users reporting no access to crisis care in their area. Eight years ago, the Government (1) promised the availability of 24-hour services but people are still being denied the help they need at the time that they need it.”