Tag: mental health

Walking boosts mental health as winter takes hold

Blue Monday sparks call for Scots to embrace walking

SCOTLAND’S national walking charity is calling on Scots to walk and wheel to beat the winter blues this Blue Monday.  

Blue Monday (Monday, 20th January) is often considered the most depressing day of the year due to a combination of financial pressure, broken New Year’s resolutions, and limited daylight.

Walking has proven to be a powerful tool for mental wellbeing, with national walking charity, Paths for All reporting 84% of Scots say they walk to improve their health and wellbeing, up from 78% in 2019 according to the 2023 National Survey of Attitudes to Walking and Wheeling in Scotland.

As well as releasing feel-good endorphins, walking and wheeling offers a chance to clear the mind, alleviate stress, and improve concentration. These benefits are especially vital during the darker winter months when Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can take hold.

Beyond the individual benefits, walking and wheeling also play a vital role in addressing broader societal issues such as loneliness and isolation. Qualitative feedback highlights how walking fosters a sense of connection and combats feelings of loneliness, particularly for individuals who live alone or work remotely.

Kevin Lafferty, Chief Executive Officer, said: “Winter can be a particularly challenging time for mental health, but walking and wheeling are free, accessible, and effective ways to support your wellbeing.

“Taking a walk during daylight hours not only helps to boost our mood, but also provides the opportunity to connect with nature and others, both of which are vital for our mental resilience.”

Walking offers a multitude of benefits, including opportunities to enjoy local greenspaces, parks, and beaches, which can foster a sense of calm and connection to nature while incorporating physical activity into daily routines, whether walking to school, work or the shops.

Joining a local walking group or walking with friends and family can strengthen social connections, further enhancing the benefits of this simple yet powerful activity.

Encouraging more Scots to walk during winter, particularly in natural outdoor settings, is a timely reminder of how small lifestyle changes can yield big mental health benefits as well as physical.

One survey participant described walking as their “lifeline during the winter,” while another shared how a daily walk helped them better manage stress and feel more grounded.

This activity also supports Scotland’s ambition to improve overall health outcomes and reduce pressures on public services. Walking is a free and accessible activity, making it a viable solution for individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their circumstances.

Paths for All supports local projects to deliver over 850 Health Walks across Scotland. These are free, short group walks led by friendly volunteers and you can find your nearest on the paths for All website: https://www.pathsforall.org.uk/health-walks

Established in 1996, Paths for All work in partnership with 30 national organisations with a shared vision of a healthier, happier, greener Scotland, where everyone can be active every day.

For more information and resources on making walking a part of your routine, visit: 

www.pathsforall.org.uk.

Beating the blues this Blue Monday

TODAY, the third Monday in January, has been designated the most depressing day of the year. 

Dubbed ‘Blue Monday’, people can find themselves suffering from low mood, sadness, lack of motivation and anxiety which experts blame on a combination of factors like poor weather, the festivities behind us and concerns over money.

But according to wellbeing expert and author Lynn Crilly, a few simple steps can banish the Blue Monday lows, boost your mood and help focus your mind in a more positive direction.

She said: “Whilst it can be normal to feel low after the excitement of the run up to Christmas and enjoying time away from work, January can leave us feeling like everything is rather grey,” she says.

“Mondays in particular are most people’s least favourite day of the week, and with a long month stretching ahead it does feel like there are far too many in January. 

“January blues are not the same as clinical depression or a mental health disorder and they don’t interfere with everyday life,” she says. 

“But you might feel low and like you want to hide away and hibernate. You could lack the motivation for usual tasks, or feel disappointed in yourself if New Year’s resolutions haven’t gone to plan.

“It’s normal to feel sluggish after the holidays, particularly if you’ve overindulged, but a particularly low mood in January can become overwhelming if you don’t address it.

“From years of experience as well as clinical research, I know there are simple steps you can take to turn a low mood into a more positive outlook.

“If you are struggling with low mood, try not to be too hard on yourself. It is not your fault you are feeling this way and you are not the only one. If you don’t make it to the gym or that social event and you spend the odd day in front of the television, embrace it and enjoy that time to yourself.”

Forever Edinburgh Winter Campaign

Here, Lynn shares her five steps to help beat the January blues this winter

1. See the winter light

The days are shorter, and the miserable cold weather may have deterred you from leaving your house, but the natural daylight is an effective mood booster. Remind yourself that now the Winter Solstice is over, the days are getting longer. Getting outside for walks, letting natural light into your house or sitting outside when having your lunch break will all help to top up your vitamin D which the body craves.

2. Embrace winter

By the third week in January the novelty of snuggling up with a hot chocolate and a film has worn off and you’re wondering how long it will be before you can leave the house without a coat. But be persistent and shake up the ‘warm and cosy’ routine. 

Try making your home or at least your bedroom feel cosy and warm, with candles and extra blankets or even leaving up a set of fairy lights after Christmas .  You can experiment with seasonal cooking or baking or try your hand at new creative hobbies such as knitting, painting or even jigsaw puzzles can be very therapeutic for some. These things help to focus the mind as well, which is a good tool in combating negative thought patterns.

3. Make self-care a priority

It can be very easy to let the simple everyday things go out of the window but incorporating daily wins into your routine are all things we can let slip when we are feeling low. Make your bed everyday, eat healthy meals and making time for some exercise all show that you care about yourself and your home. You could also set an intention for the day which doesn’t need to be anything dramatic, but can provide a sense of accomplishment and make a difference to your mood. 

4. Trick your mind and body

Research shows that watching a feel-good film or listening to upbeat music can help your brain to release happy hormones called endorphins. These are also released when you exercise and help to reduce stress and improve your sense of wellbeing.  Make yourself a playlist of your favourite tunes and if you find mornings the hardest, have it to hand for when you get up. Plan some nights with television and some good films with yourself or better still share with friends and family.

5. Plan your social life

It can be all too easy to hibernate at this time of year but try to resist it and get in touch with friends and family to socialise. It doesn’t need to cost anything: going for a walk, an exercise class or starting a new hobby together are all things which can help combat the blues.

It is so important for your mental health not to isolate yourself but to find a balance between enjoying your own company and time and that with others.

‘Blue Monday’: Acas encourages bosses to prioritise staff mental health throughout the year

Workplace expert, Acas, is urging bosses to check in on their staff as its helpline statistics revealed a rise in mental health related calls in Autumn / Winter compared to Spring / Summer.  

The Acas helpline saw an almost 20% rise in calls on mental health in the Autumn and Winter months combined compared to the Spring and Summer months in 2024.

Blue Monday has been marked by some to be the most depressing day of the year but Acas advice is for employers to prioritise mental health throughout the year.

Acas Head of Inclusive Workplaces, Julie Dennis, said: “Awareness days are a great way to raise the profile of mental health at work but bosses should be prioritising staff mental health throughout the year.

“Employers that create an environment where staff can openly talk about their mental health are better equipped to support them at work.

“Employees should also take steps to look after their own mental health and have coping strategies in place. Acas has advice and training on how to support and manage mental health and wellbeing at work.”

Acas advice for employers on managing staff mental health include:

  • Be approachable, available and encourage team members to talk to you if they’re having problems;
  • Keep in regular contact with your team to check how they are coping;
  • Respect confidentiality and be calm, patient, supportive and reassuring if a staff member wants to have a chat about their mental health;
  • Consider whether someone may need workplace adjustments, for example working more flexibly;
  • Look after your own mental health and get support if you feel under more pressure than usual. This support could be a colleague at work, a mental health network or a counsellor; and
  • Clearly communicate the internal and external support available to staff. This can include offering practical help such as signposting to financial advice or bringing advice providers into work.

Acas advice for workers to support their own mental health and wellbeing include:

  • Talk to people you work with or friends about how you’re feeling;
  • Speak to your manager about how you’re doing, your situation, and ask what support is available;
  • Reflect on what helps you feel more positive and what does not;
  • Make time for activities you enjoy

For the full Acas advice, please see: www.acas.org.uk/mentalhealth   

Acas has a range of training courses to help employers manage mental health at work.

Psychotherapist sends Blue Monday warning

AN EDINBURGH based mental health expert has warned that the concept of Blue Monday trivialises mental wellbeing – and may do more harm than good.

As a consultant psychotherapist and co-founder of The Anchor Practice, Paul Bell and the 13-strong team of clinicians form the largest private practice of its kind in Scotland, working with children, adolescents, young adults and families.

Paul said: “I find myself increasingly concerned about how this well-meaning but misguided concept of ‘Blue Monday’ impacts our understanding of mental health.

“While the day ostensibly aims to raise awareness about mental wellness, it actually risks trivialising the complex reality of depression and mental illness.”

“The notion that depression can be predicted by a specific date on the calendar not only promotes harmful pseudoscience but potentially undermines the gravity of mental health struggles known to be increasing in Scotland – particularly among our youth.”

The Anchor Practice team witness on a daily basis the profound challenges faced by individuals grappling with mental health issues.

He added: “Scotland currently faces unprecedented challenges in child and adolescent mental health, with waiting lists for specialist services at record levels. Against this backdrop, the commercialisation of mental health through concepts like Blue Monday is particularly tone-deaf.

“When major brands use this pseudo-event for marketing campaigns – whether selling holidays, gym memberships, or wellness products – they can inadvertently contribute to a superficial understanding of mental health.

“The fundamental issue with Blue Monday lies in its oversimplification of depression.”

The original concept for Blue Monday, originally created for a travel company’s PR campaign, claimed to use a mathematical formula considering factors like weather, debt levels, and time since Christmas.

Paul said: “This pseudo-scientific approach misrepresents both seasonal and clinical depression. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a clinically recognised condition that deserves proper understanding and treatment.

“The reality is that mental health support requires sustained, long-term commitment – both at a societal and individual level.

“This means securing long term funding for Scotland’s mental health services; improving access to professional support for children and adults and promoting genuine mental health education in schools and workplaces.”

The Anchor Practice is a multi-disciplinary clinic, offering a range of evidence-based treatments, but also specialises in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy – a well-researched treatment for a variety of common mental disorders in children and adults.

Contemporary psychodynamic psychotherapy is firmly rooted in high quality research and informed by contemporary understandings of neuroscience and developmental psychology.

Delivered by highly trained and regulated clinicians, psychodynamic therapy can provide sustained results, promoting deep, lasting change beyond symptom management.

New mental health service launches in Edinburgh to reduce wait times for autism and ADHD diagnosis

HealthCare in Mind, a new dedicated service offering private autism, ADHD and mental health assessment treatments and therapies, has launched in Edinburgh to improve access to high quality mental health diagnoses and address the growing wait times for critical mental health support.

With average NHS wait times for autism and ADHD assessments reaching one to two years across the country, HealthCare In Mind provides a much-needed alternative for families and individuals seeking answers and support. The service is now live in Edinburgh and will allow patients to access care instantly through both remote and in-person appointments to suit their needs.

HealthCare in Mind offers a range of mental health services, including fully comprehensive diagnostic assessments for both children and adults, and therapy treatments to manage mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and mood disorders.

HealthCare In Mind is led by Dr Simon Le Clerc MStJ, and Dr Kate Higham, alongside an expert team of psychiatrists, psychologists and therapists to provide instant access to the highest quality care to those in need.

Dr Simon Le Clerc commented: “Cases of adults and children seeking answers about their mental health, and the way they experience the world have risen dramatically in Edinburgh, and NHS waiting lists are struggling to keep up.

“It is not uncommon for wait times of up to a year for a first appointment for ADHD, autism and mental health assessments, and after assessment there are further waiting lists for accessing therapy treatments to help people manage their conditions.

“By offering private, tailored neurodiversity assessments, we can offer an option to families and individuals in need of a quicker solution. Our ambition for the future is to work with the NHS to support with clearing the waiting lists, but our service is also available for those in need today.”

To book an initial consultation, visit www.healthcareinmind.com.

Mental health support over festive season

The festive season can be difficult for some. It’s important we all take care of our #MentalHealth Support is available

#MindtoMind

http://nhsinform.scot/mind-to-mind

@NHS24 Mental Health Hub – call 111

#BreathingSpace – 0800 83 85 87

@samaritans – http://bit.ly/CallSamaritans or… call 116 123

Healthy Heart Tip: Reducing stress levels this festive season

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK

Healthy Heart Tip: Reducing stress levels this festive season

Feeling stressed at this time of the year? When you feel stressed, your body releases adrenaline which causes your breathing, heart rate and blood pressure to increase. These reactions give you the ‘fight or flight’ response, which helps you to deal with the situation.

When we feel stressed it can be easy to adopt unhealthy lifestyle habits such as eating unhealthy foods and not being physically active, which can increase your risk of heart disease. The key is to recognise when you are beginning to feel stressed and put things in place to reduce it. Exercise, socialising, sleeping, meditation and trying mindful activities can help to manage your stress levels.

In this healthy tip, we look at ways to reduce your stress levels.

Exercise regularly

Physical activity reduces the levels of stress hormones in the body.

Exercising regularly and aiming to meet the physical activity guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity per week will help to lower your risk of heart disease as well as help to relieve stress, tension and anxiety.

Next time you are feeling stress, why not try walking or running in nature, meditation or a yoga class?

Spend time with friends and family

Spending time with friends and loved ones can significantly reduce stress by providing emotional support and connection. Socialising releases feel-good hormones like oxytocin, which counteract stress hormones.

You may find it beneficial to talk through your situation with those that you trust or simply use the conversations to distract your mind.

Find a new hobby

Engaging in hobbies can be a good way to destress by providing a creative and enjoyable experience.

Activities like cooking, knitting, drawing, gardening or taking part in sports or physical activities can help you to relax and refrain from dwelling on negative thoughts or worries.

Finding enjoyment in hobbies releases dopamine, which improves mood and fosters a sense of accomplishment. Try different hobbies until you find one that you enjoy and leaves you feeling happy.

‘Continued improvement’ in child mental health waiting times

Best performance since national target was set – but charities say targets are still being missed

Almost 90% of children and young people accessing mental health services started treatment within 18 weeks of referral from July to September – the best performance since a national target was introduced a decade ago.

Latest Public Health statistics show 89.1% of those who were assessed as suitable for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) were seen within 18 weeks – the Scottish Government target is 90%.

The figure is up five percentage points on the previous quarter and 13.5 percentage points on the same quarter the previous year.

Mental Wellbeing Minister Maree Todd said: “We are working hard to ensure that everyone gets the support they need, when they need it, so the continued improvement in CAMHS waiting times is very welcome.

“These positive figures are testament to the dedication of the staff who work so hard to help the children and young people they care for. While the national standard applies only to each quarter, it is also encouraging that the highest ever monthly performance – 91.3% was recorded in September.  

“However we know there is still more to do, which is why we have provided local authorities with more than £65 million, since 2020, to develop and deliver community-based mental health support for children, young people and their families. We have also invested £16 million a year to work towards ensuring every secondary school in Scotland has access to school counselling services.”

Children 1st Chief Executive, Mary Glasgow.

Responding to the latest CAMHS quarterly waiting list figures, Children First chief executive Mary Glasgow said: “Today’s figures show thousands of children are still in desperate need of support.

“It’s a decade since the Scottish Government committed to 90 percent of CAMHS referrals being seen within 18 weeks. This target has still not been met. 

“Our teams across Scotland are supporting young people who are frightened, worried, anxious and need help now. The fact remains that children are often not getting support until they are in severe distress. This must stop.  

“Ahead of tomorrow’s budget, the Scottish Government must invest more in early help and support to prevent children reaching crisis point.

“We want to see more funding so that families can quickly get support for their children when they need it.” 

The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition (SCSC), an alliance of leading providers of specialist care and education to vulnerable children and young people, is calling on the Scottish Government to deliver a budget for mental health tomorrow (4th December).

The call comes as the latest waiting time figures from Public Health Scotland published today (3rd December), indicate that 115 children and young people had been waiting over a year for treatment from child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) in the quarter ending September 2024.1 

The figures also show that a total of 4,231 children and young people were still stuck on waiting lists to start treatment at the end of that quarter.

This comes against the background of an increasing level of violent incidents in the classroom, a result in part due to the current mental health emergency, exacerbated by the long shadow of the Covid lockdown and cost-of-living crisis.

Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, cases of poor mental health in children and young people were at unprecedented levels, with under-resourced services struggling to keep pace with growing demand, leaving an increasing number of vulnerable individuals unable to access support

However, it should be noted that despite this challenging situation, only 0.75 per cent of the total NHS budget was spent on CAMHS in the 2023/23 financial year.2 

Indeed, spend on mental health services generally has declined by 4.5 per cent in real terms over the past three years.

The SCSC is calling the Scottish Government to up its game in the budget and make the treatment of mental health issues a key national priority, prioritising spending and avoiding a potential lost generation of children and young people with mental health problems.

A spokesperson for the SCSC commented: “The latest figures highlighting that more than 4,200 children and young people are still waiting for treatment from mental health services, with 115 waiting over a year, is extremely alarming.

“We are facing a mental health emergency and many of our children and young people are at breaking point, with stress and anxiety reaching alarming levels as they battle with the long shadow of lockdown and the rising cost of living. This is also having a major effect on classroom behaviour, impacting the young people concerned, their fellow pupils and staff.

“Each one of these statistics is an individual, and we would urge the Scottish Government to up its game and make the adequate resourcing of mental health services for our children and young people an absolute priority in the forthcoming budget.”

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in NHSScotland for the quarter ending September 2024.

Children First uncover staggering 100 referrals a day for child mental health support

In the run up to Christmas, Children First is calling for action to address Scotland’s child mental health crisis after a recent freedom of information (FOI) request revealed a ‘staggering’ 100 referrals a day, on average, are being made to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). 

Scotland’s national children’s charity has described the figures as ‘a sad reflection of growing up in Scotland today’ after they declared a childhood emergency last month. At the time, a survey carried out by the children’s charity found 88 percent of adults were worried about children and young people’s mental health.  

Children First chief executive, Mary Glasgow, said: “The fact that a staggering 100 referrals for children are being made for children’s mental health support daily is a sad reflection of growing up in Scotland today. This Christmas thousands of children will wake up full of fear and worry. 

“Scotland’s children should be safe, loved and happy – not robbed of their childhoods. This must stop. As a nation we have a responsibility to protect their mental health and wellbeing and to ensure they receive the support they need. 

“We are calling on the Scottish Government to roll out more early help and support to stop children reaching crisis point and asking the Scottish public to get behind our Christmas fundraising campaign to protect Scotland’s children and keep them safe.” 

The news comes a week before the latest quarterly CAMHS waiting list statistics are released and a decade on from the Scottish Government committing to 90 percent of CAMHS referrals being seen within 18 weeks. That target has never been met.  

Mary Glasgow continued: “Ten years on the Scottish Government has not kept its promise to stop children getting stuck on waiting lists and children are often not getting help until they are in severe distress. We want to see more funding so that families can quickly get support for their children when they need it.  

“Our teams across Scotland are supporting young people who are frightened, worried and anxious and in desperate need of help.” 

One young person, Tessa* who was suffering panic attacks, anxiety and fear during a difficult time at home, shared her experience of being supported by Children First: “After I met Sharon* from Children First I felt that I had someone to turn to.

“I could talk to her and share my feelings with her. She helped me learn to cope with my anxiety. Before then I’d been bottling up everything but having Sharon to talk to felt like a weight off my shoulders.” 

Glasgow added: “At Children First we provide emotional, practical and financial support to help children and families when they need it most.

“We know Christmas time can be a strain for many families and the support we provide is needed now more than ever. We want children to have hope and a brighter future. Please donate today and give the gift of childhood this Christmas.” 

Donations to the Children First Christmas appeal can be made at childrenfirst.org.uk or by calling 0345 10 80 111. 

Anyone worried about a child in Scotland can contact the Children First support line by calling 08000 28 22 33 for free or visiting www.childrenfirst.org.uk. 

You can read Tessa’s full story here: Tessa’s story | Children First 

*Names have been anonymised to protect the identity of the young person quoted. 

Football helping to tackle poverty

Extra Time partnership delivering for families

An initiative to provide free after school and holiday clubs for families on low incomes has helped more than 3,500 children to attend football and other sport sessions, increasing access to sports and improving their mental health during its first year.

An impact report published by the Scottish FA shows a £4 million investment from the Scottish Government is helping efforts to end child poverty by supporting parents and carers to increase their working hours, thereby maximising the effect of any financial savings, and has been especially successful in supporting lone parent families.

The report also shows that the number of parents and carers benefitting from the Extra Time initiative rose by 80% in the first six months of the programme, with increased funding helping thousands of children attend regular services which provide childcare options for their parents.

Extra Time is a joint initiative between the Scottish Government and the Scottish FA that provides funding for 31 local football clubs and trusts to provide free access to before school, after school and holiday clubs for targeted primary school children from families on low incomes.

Attending the first anniversary celebration of the launch of the project at Hampden Park, with Extra Time Ambassadors and former professional players Stephen O’Donnell and Suzanne Winters, Minister for Sport Maree Todd said: “Extra Time is having a positive impact right across Scotland by providing affordable and accessible childcare options in local communities for thousands of families.

“The First Minister has made clear we will continue to prioritise action to end child poverty by removing barriers to affordable and accessible childcare. This initiative will contribute to this.

”We know it is working for those most at risk of living in poverty, supporting parents to maintain their current employment or gain new employment.

“It is making a real difference for children and young people too, with mental health benefits for participants – improved confidence, happiness, and social skills – and the provision of food at sessions is helping to tackle food insecurity and to promote healthy food choices.”

Scottish FA Chief Executive Ian Maxwell said: “At the Scottish FA we regularly speak of the power that football has to positively benefit society and the Extra Time programme is a shining example of the social benefits that football is able to provide off the pitch.

“We are grateful to the Scottish Government for their support in delivering this programme over the past twelve months and look forward to continuing our work on the programme to deliver tangible benefits to families and communities across the nation.” 

Former Scotland Women’s International and Extra Time Ambassador Suzanne Winters said: “Through my work with Queens Park Football Club I have witnessed first-hand the incredible impact that this programme has had on the families involved with it.

“It is a fantastic example of football making a difference off the pitch.”

Former Scotland Men’s International and Extra Time Ambassador Stephen O’Donnell said: “It is heart warming to see the children in this programme enjoying their access to football through this programme while also benefitting them and their families through the free childcare.” 

Scottish FA Extra Time Annual Impact Report

House of Lords to consider landmark reforms to mental health care 

Mental Health Bill will give patients enhanced rights to make decisions regarding their own care, ensuring their voice is heard throughout the treatment process

  • Landmark reforms to better care for mental health patients one step closer to becoming law, with Second Reading of the Mental Health Bill in the House of Lords today  
  • The Bill will also address inadequate care of people with a learning disability and autistic people, as well as reducing the number of unnecessary detentions 

Long awaited legislation to reform care for mental health patients is one step closer to becoming law, as the Mental Health Bill has Second Reading in the House of Lords today (25th November 2024).  

The Mental Health Bill, introduced earlier this month, will modernise the Mental Health Act, giving patients a greater say in their care, along with bolstered support from family and friends as part of treatment to ensure that their interests are protected and that their voice is heard throughout the treatment process.  

Last year, over 50,000 people were detained under the Mental Health Act, but an independent review of the Mental Health Act, chaired by Professor Sir Simon Wessely, President of the Royal Society of Medicine, found rising rates of detention under the act, along with racial disparities, and poor patient experience especially for autistic people and those with a learning disability, with patients being detained unnecessarily and for longer than needed. 

Alongside making it legal requirement for each patient to have a care and treatment plan, the Bill will also give patients the right to an Advance Choice Document, which can be used by patients to set out what they want their care to look like in the event of a mental health crisis.  

These changes will ensure that care is tailored to individual needs and encourage patients to remain in contact with health services and continue to engage with treatment.  

Police and prison cells will also no longer be used to place people who need care under the Mental Health Act. Instead, patients will be supported to access a suitable healthcare facility that will better support their needs.  

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, said: “The Mental Health Act is there to protect people when they’re at their most vulnerable, and in many cases, it has saved lives. But it is hugely outdated, depriving people of their liberty, especially autistic people and people with a learning disability. 

“We are now one step closer to bringing forward the essential reforms that will transform the care of some of our most vulnerable people, meaning patients receive the right care in the right place. 

“Modernising the act will strengthen the decision-making processes, helping to better support people, and giving them the appropriate and compassionate care they need.”

The Bill will help deliver the government’s commitment to transform mental health care, giving it the same focus and attention as physical health. 

It will also address unnecessary detentions for people with a learning disability or autistic people. At the end of October 2024, 1,880 people with these conditions were detained in hospital under the Mental Health Act, and research suggests that some would be better suited to care in the community. 

If passed, the Act will limit the length of time that they can be detained under the Act if they do not have a co-occurring mental health condition that needs hospital treatment and have not committed a criminal offence. 

Claire Murdoch, NHS national mental health director, said: “This Mental Health Bill is a once in a generation opportunity to ensure that patients experiencing serious mental illness and crises receive safe, modern, evidence-based care, and that the needs and wishes of patients and their loved ones are central to their care and better mental health outcomes.

“This comes alongside the NHS’s work to transform mental health services which are treating record numbers with existing resources – either through intervening earlier with hundreds of NHS teams working in schools, or trialling new 24/7 crisis mental health hubs to prevent people needing hospital care in the first place, and if an admission to hospital is needed the health service is working with local services to ensure this is delivered in a safe and therapeutic environment close to people’s homes.

Dr Layla McCay, director of policy at the NHS Confederation, said: “This marks another important milestone towards the long overdue reforming and updating of the Mental Health Act to ensure people with severe mental illness are given greater control over their treatment and are not subjected to unnecessary detentions.

“Our members have long called for these reforms to address the unacceptable disparities in rates of detention for people from some ethnic minority backgrounds.

“The Bill should also stop patients with a learning disability and autistic people from being detained long-term, unless they also have a severe mental illness for which detention may be needed.

“This is a welcome step towards these vital reforms, and we look forward to working with the government to ensure there is enough capacity to implement the Bill’s plans.”

Mark Winstanley, Chief Executive, Rethink Mental Illness: “In the depths of a mental health crisis, everyone deserves care that respects their rights and gives them a say in their treatment. Today marks another milestone in the journey to reform the Mental Health Act, bringing us closer to vital legislation that’s fit for the 21st century.

“After years of tireless campaigning, we’re determined that this legislation fulfils its potential. We will support efforts to ensure the Bill passes through parliament to deliver meaningful, positive change for the tens of thousands of people detained under the Mental Health Act every year.

“In tandem, we will look to the new Ten Year Plan for the NHS to provide the resources and support necessary to ensure people receive the right care and treatment at the right time, to prevent people from experiencing a mental health crisis.”

Measures in the Bill will ensure patients, staff and the general public are better protected, through improved decision making and new processes requiring clinicians to seek a second opinion before discharging a patient. Discharge processes will also be reviewed more broadly and will include a safety management plan for the patient, to keep them and others safe.