Royal College of Psychiatrists launches three-year campaign to tackle inequalities in mental health

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Wednesday, 02, Jul 2008 12:00

In a major new report launched today, the Royal College of Psychiatrists calls for action to end the inequalities faced by people with mental health problems.

Following consultation with psychiatrists, service users and carers across the UK, the College has drawn up its Fair Deal manifesto to highlight the problems that people with both mental health problems and learning disabilities encounter daily in terms of their health, life chances and inclusion.

The report’s publication marks the beginning of a new three-year campaign in which the College has committed itself to working to address the areas where the biggest inequalities exist.

Although the Government has provided extra investment for mental health services over the last decade, mental health services continue to lag behind those in physical health. Key problems include: funding shortages, limited access to services, poor inpatient services, and widespread discrimination.

Now, as the NHS celebrate its 60th anniversary, the Royal College of Psychiatrists believes it is time to take an overview of areas that need to improve.

Prof Sheila Hollins, President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, says: “On the 60th anniversary of the NHS, the challenge is clear. We asked our members and the College’s networks of service users and carers to tell us what they thought. A recurring theme in their responses was that people with mental health problems and learning disabilities do not get a fair deal. Although there has been real progress, particularly in the last decade, they are still not afforded equal dignity and respect as other citizens.

“This College manifesto lays the groundwork for our campaign, which I hope will help to achieve a fair deal for people with mental illness and people with learning disabilities, through a new partnership with everyone concerned about these issues.”

Key figures highlighted in the report show that:

· One-in-four older people living in the community have symptoms of depression severe enough to warrant help, but only half are diagnosed and treated.

· A third of substance misuse patients with mental health needs do not receive any interventions.

· In-patients may remain in hospital for months after their need for hospitalisation has ended while they await transfer to local authority accommodation.

· Mental health research receives 6.5% of total research funding, compared with 25% for research into cancer and 15% for neurological diseases.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists will raise awareness of its Fair Deal campaign in the UK Parliaments and among the general public. It will undertake a series of key projects, including partnership work with organisations such as Mind, the Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health, Young Minds and the Mental Health Foundation.

Prof Dinesh Bhugra, the College’s President Elect, said: “As psychiatrists, we have an opportunity, and a professional responsibility, to help shape the services in which we work and advocate for service users and carers. But no change can, or should, happen alone. That is why through our Fair Deal for mental health campaign, we want to work closely with anyone who shares our vision.”

Notes to editors:

The Fair Deal manifesto identifies eight priority areas: