Rethink: Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg vows to fight for mental health services

Tuesday, 22, Sep 2009 09:03

Nick Clegg, leader of the Liberal Democrats, today (Monday, 21 September) promised to protect mental health services from any recession related budget cuts.

He signed a pledge at his party conference in Bournemouth in front of campaigners from the mental health charity Rethink. The campaigners were dressed as characters from the fairytale Cinderella to highlight the fact that mental health is the Cinderella service of the NHS.

Mental health receives only a fraction of the funding awarded to other health conditions such as cancer, even though one in four people will experience mental health problems at some point in their lives.

Paul Corry, Rethink's director of public affairs, said: "We are delighted that Nick Clegg has lent his support to our campaign to protect mental health services during this difficult recession.

"For too long, mental health, like Cinderella, has been left in rags and tatters. It is time for a fairy godmother to wave a magic wand and invest in mental health so that it too can go to the ball. However, fairy godmothers - and politicians - need to be aware that a short-term commitment won't be enough. Mental health service users and carers don't want to see pumpkins and mice appear at the stroke of midnight."

As he posted his promise in the "Pledge Pumpkin", Clegg added: "At a time of recession, the need for mental health services is greater than ever. People must get the right help at the right time to prevent their problems escalating. It is a false economy not to invest in mental health services".

The mental health campaigners, dressed as fairytale characters or wearing T-shirts sporting the slogan Let mental health go to the ball, were encouraging MPs to stop and pledge their support as they entered the conference zone in Bournemouth.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. Rethink held a conference fringe event - Credit crunch to health crunch - to highlight the impact of the recession on public health.

2. The World Health Organization predicts that depression will become the world's biggest health problem within 20 years.

3. Demand for mental health services has increased during the recession.

For more information contact:

Paul Corry, Director of Public Affairs: mobile: 07775 585 178

Victoria Walsh, Campaigns Manager: mobile: 07843 228 068

Katie Leason, Media Manager: tel 020 7840 3138, email katie.leason@rethink.org

Vicky Trimikliniotis, Media Officer: tel 020 7840 3146 email Vicky.trimikliniotis@rethink.org

About Rethink

Rethink, the leading national mental health membership charity, works to help everyone affected by severe mental illness recover a better quality of life. We aim to provide hope and empowerment through effective services and support to all those who need us and campaign for change through greater awareness and understanding.

For further information on the charity and its work, visit: www.rethink.org or call 0845 456 0455.

The Mental Health Shop was created by two leading mental health charities, Rethink and Mental Health Media, and features an array of books, leaflets, DVD's and videos on a range of mental health topics including recovery, treatment and discrimination. This unprecedented collaboration now allows for a 'one stop shop' combining a range of mental health publications and products.Visit www.mentalhealthshop.org