Press

Press Release

16th April 2007

United Response calls for greater safeguards for people with mental health needs

Ahead of today's House of Commons debate on the Mental Health Bill, United Response is calling on MPs to improve access to preventative mental health provision.

Su Sayer, Chief Executive of United Response said:

"As a voluntary organisation supporting people with learning disabilities or mental health needs we recognise the need to reform existing mental health legislation, but are concerned that the Government's proposals will force treatment on people without adequate safeguards.

"We believe that compulsion should only be used as a last resort and service users and their carers should be able to access support when they need it and not turned away in a crisis. Greater priority must be given to preventative mental health provision so that we have properly resourced, patient-centred services for people experiencing mental distress.

Ends

For more information please contact Sarah Bartlett or Jaime Gill in the United Response Press Office on020 8246 5237/ 020 8246 5122 or email

Notes to editors:

  1. United Response is the national charity creating opportunities with people with learning disabilities or mental health needs in England and Wales. Through its mental health work, United Response supports people to maintain a presence in their local community by offering a range of services from early intervention in depression through to outreach and community support (supporting people in their own homes) and residential support for people with enduring mental health needs. United Response services are built around the needs of the individual and are delivered in partnership with other local providers.
  2. United Response is a member of the Mental Health Alliance, a unique coalition of 78 organisations from across the mental health spectrum and beyond, working together to secure better mental health legislation for England and Wales. To find out more about the work of the Mental Health Alliance go towww.mentalhealthalliance.org.uk