'Mind' wants improvements to mental health provision

7.58.00am GMT Fri 19th Feb 2010

Mind is the leading mental health charity in England and Wales. It's purpose is to stand up for the one in four of us who experience mental health problems. Here's a message from Chief Executive Paul Farmer:

"Mental health is not just a medical issue; it's also a social one. Crime, debt, unemployment and poor housing all affect our ability to live mentally healthy and happy lives, and in turn, poor mental health affects our ability to participate in society. With one in four people affected, and a socio-economic cost of £77 billion per year in England alone, mental health is very much a public health issue.

But despite its prevalence, nine out of ten people with mental health problems still experience stigma and discrimination. It can deter people from socialising, from seeking employment, and even from accessing the services they need. Mind is a joint partner in Time to Change, England's biggest-ever campaign to reduce stigma and discrimination, and you can find out more about it at http://www.time-to-change.org.uk/

In the 21st century, people expect access to the full range of medical services within a reasonable time frame, but all too often services are second rate or non-existent. Local mental health services need protection from spending cuts and increased investment to ensure everyone can access the services they need, when they need them."

Mind has close to 200 local associations across England and Wales. You can find out more about Mind's work on www.mind.org.uk