November 15, 2023 at 10:55 pm
PLAIN TEXT VERSION:
“We are incredibly concerned to hear that the Government plans to cut £4bn from the welfare budget, citing that they aim to get people “back into work”. We are worried that these cuts will disproportionately affect those with mental ill-health resulting in them losing their benefit entitlement and forcing them back into work, against their wishes.
We are clear that for some individuals who have been diagnosed with mental health conditions, work can be fulfilling and aid recovery. However, that is not true for everyone, and it should be for the individual and their medical teams to make that assessment – not civil servants or Government ministers.
During a cost-of-living crisis, which has had a detrimental impact on both the finances and the mental health of millions across the UK, we believe it would be grossly irresponsible for those with disabilities and mental health conditions to bear the brunt of the Government’s drive to save costs. Indeed, the fear of losing welfare support could exacerbate poor mental health further.
We urge the government to rethink this decision.”
This statement has been approved by IMHN’s Lived Experience Representatives.
November 15, 2023 at 10:55 pm
April 27, 2021 at 7:53 am
In January, the government launched a public consultation on proposed reforms to the Mental Health Act. This included publication of a white paper, setting out how the Act would be reformed. This was also the response to the Independent Review of the Mental Health Act, set up in 2017.
Members of the Independent Mental Health Network came together to develop a response to the consultation and proposed reforms. This was co-developed over two sessions, and was submitted to the Department of Health & Social Care on 21 April 2021.
Click here to download and read IMHN’s response to the proposed reforms.
Members of IMHN also featured in videos, encouraging people to respond to the consultation. You can watch these videos by clicking their names below.
April 27, 2021 at 7:53 am