Association of Mental Health Providers: #MHEqualityNow Campaign
The Association of Mental Health Providers, part of the Mental Health Consortium in the VCSE Health & Wellbeing Alliance, are calling for urgent action to support community mental health services. Their new research reveals alarming insights into the demand on mental health services. Over 8 million people are supported by mental health charities providing services – that is 1 in 8 of our population – and a survey of the Association’s 300+ members has revealed:
- a 100 per cent increase in waiting times for access to specialist referral and crisis services since summer 2022.
- a 50 per cent rise in people presenting with increasing needs, particularly with anxieties related to money and housing because of the cost-of-living crisis.
The Association has launched a campaign today, #MHEqualityNow Campaign, urging the Government to propose a plan of action to support mental health charities providing services and commit to sustainable ongoing and future funding for the sector.
They are calling on the Government to consider the essential role of mental health charities in delivering services but also in supporting vital parts of the wider system including social care, health, employment, housing, and criminal justice.
