Press

Press Release

19th June 2006

Everyone must have opportunity to try new therapies

National disability charity United Response has welcomed the publication of Lord Layard’s Depression Report into the benefits of using psychological therapies to treat depression and other mental health needs.

Su Sayer , United Response’s Chief Executive said:

“As a national charity supporting many people with mental health needs, we are pleased that the importance of non-medical treatments is finally being recognised and taken seriously.

“Last summer, a group of people supported by United Response took part in a photographic project called Mental Wealth.

“Collectively they produced a series of powerful images and captions to show people what it is like to live with a mental health need.

“The therapeutic benefits of the project were outstanding. All the photographers said their confidence and self-esteem had increased. Many told us that they had achieved more through the project than they would have done through months of medication. For example, one person overcame his fear of using public transport and has since been shopping on his own for the first time. Another has successfully completed a course to help him return to his career in catering.

“Perhaps not everyone will find non-medical therapies, such as this, beneficial. But, as we have found, many people will. Everyone must be given the opportunity to try them out.

“And as Professor Layard highlights, it is not only individuals who will benefit from this spend now, save later approach, but also the NHS.”

- Ends -

Notes to editors:

  1. 1 in 4 people will experience some kind of mental health problem in the course of a year. (Source: The Mental Health Foundation)
  2. 20 per cent of women and 14 per cent of men in England have some form of mental illness. (Source: The Mental Health Foundation)
  3. By 2020 Depression will be the second only to heart disease as an international health burden. (Source: The World Health Organisation)
  4. 4. United Response supports over 1,500 people with learning disabilities or mental health needs across England. Its builds its care and support around each person, providing everything from 24-hour care to helping someone living in his or her own flat to get a job.
  5. 5. United Response is member of the Mental Health Alliance, a coalition of 77 organisations campaigning for better mental health legislation.

Back to the top