Mind responds to General Election result

“Mental health did not feature much as an issue this election campaign. But it’s an issue that’s all too real for the nearly two million people on NHS waiting lists, for the rapidly rising number of young people struggling with their mental health and those of us who still don’t get the care we need when in crisis.

"There are clear solutions the new government can deliver that would have an immediate impact on people’s lives, including reforming the outdated Mental Health Act, investing in and improving mental health services, and reforming our benefits system to ensure our social safety net works for people with a mental health problem.”

“The new government laid out a number of positive proposals for mental health in its manifesto. The Mind Federation stands ready to work with ministers and MPs from all parties to bring about the change that is so desperately needed for millions of people.”

Mental health in numbers

• Nearly 2 million people are waiting for NHS mental health services in England

• Since 2017 the number of young people struggling with their mental health has nearly doubled

• 40% of mental health providers across the country were rated as ‘requires improvement’ or ‘inadequate’ for safety by the CQC in 2023

• Almost 1 in 5 mental health nursing posts are vacant, contributing to an over-use of restrictive practices, including restraint, seclusion, and segregation.

• Black people are over 3 and a half times more likely to be detained under the Mental Health Act than white people. They're 8 times more likely to be placed on a community treatment order.

• 300,000 people with long-term mental health problems fall out of work every year.