Pilot projects to improve severe mental illness services are a step in right direction, says Rethink Mental Illness

Thursday, 20 December 2012 11:41 AM

Wednesday 19 December - Responding to the announcement of a government pilot programme to improve access to psychological therapies for people with severe mental illnesses, Paul Jenkins, CEO of the charity Rethink Mental Illness said:

“We’ve been campaigning on this issue for years, so it’s extremely encouraging to see the government taking action to move it forward. Too often, people with illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are fobbed off with medication alone and aren’t offered any kind of talking therapy. We have members whose lives have been transformed by psychological therapies after being stuck on a waiting list for years.

“These pilots are encouraging, but there is still a long way to go. At the moment, just 10% of people with schizophrenia are being offered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for example, even though it’s recommended by NICE for the condition. We very much hope the pilots will act as a blueprint for rolling out these therapies to everyone with severe mental illness who needs them.”

ENDS

For more information, contact Rachel Whitehead, News and Media Manager for Rethink Mental Illness on 0207 840 3138 or email rachel.whitehead@rethink.org

You can find out more about the pilot scheme here:

http://www.dh.gov.uk/health/2012/12/pilot-mental-illness/

Notes to editors

Rethink Mental Illness is a charity that believes a better life is possible for millions of people affected by mental illness.

For 40 years we have brought people together to support each other. We run services and support groups that change people’s lives and challenge attitudes about mental illness.

We directly support almost 60,000 people every year across England to get through crises, to live independently and to realise they are not alone.

We give information and advice to 500,000 more and we change policy for millions.

For more information go to www.rethink.org

Rachel Whitehead
News and Media Manager, Rethink Mental Illness
0207 840 3138
Tweet me! @Rachel_Rethink

For information on our email policy, including confidentiality and viruses, visit http://www.rethink.org/emailpolicy

Rethink Mental Illness is the operating name of the National Schizophrenia Fellowship, a company limited by guarantee. Registered in England Number 1227970. Registered charity no. 271028. Registered Office 89 Albert Embankment, London, SE1 7TP.

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• health
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• mental health
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• public health