Mind

Last night, the whole episode of EastEnders took place in a mental health hospital. An entire episode dedicated to a story about a mental health inpatient unit could not be more relevant right now. Things are pretty bleak for the nation’s mental health. But good mental health support exists, and it has a huge impact to see it brought to life on screen. It helps us see what “better” looks like. Our media advisory service supported the EastEnders team, alongside Rethink Mental Illness, Samaritans and Calm, on this storyline. We wanted to make sure the story felt relatable for men experiencing suicidal feelings and symptoms of psychosis. These experiences are sadly increasingly common, so we need storylines like Phil’s now more than ever. BBC

It’s that time again! ☺️ Hello spring, you’ve been missed 🌱 P.S. not everyone is excited by spring, and that's ok 💚 If you struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder in the spring and summer months, there's info and support on our website.

Breaking news 🚨 Liz Kendall, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, has just confirmed plans to make cuts to disability benefits. This would affect some of the most vulnerable in our society and could push more people with mental health problems into poverty. We’re looking through the Green Paper that’s come out today and will update you on the details as soon as we can. In the meantime, please remember that these changes wouldn’t start affecting people for at least a year. And at that point, they would first focus on people newly applying for benefits. There will be a consultation on some of the changes. It’s open for submissions now and we’ll put the link in the comments below ⬇ We know these potential changes can feel uncertain and worrying. We’re doing everything we can to speak up and fight for people with mental health problems. If you’re struggling and need to talk to someone, call our support line on 0300 102 1234 💙

Behind the headlines and the stigmatising language about disability benefits are real people - millions of them. People who are scared about what this news might mean for their day-to-day lives. If that’s you, know this: you are not alone. We see you. We hear you. These changes, if they do happen, won’t come in immediately. And we will not stop fighting until the benefits system is fair, compassionate, and works for those of us with mental health problems.

Cutting benefits is short sighted. The UK government needs to shift focus and tackle the real barriers to employment.

Where's the evidence that mental health is being "overdiagnosed"?

It’s ok to take a break from social media 💙

We're in your corner 💙 This week, we wrote to Rachel Reeves. And our CEO, Sarah Hughes, met with the minister in charge of disability benefits to raise our concerns. We know these potential reforms are scary. We hear you. Changes wouldn’t happen overnight, and at first, they'd likely only affect new applicants. But one thing’s for sure - we won’t stop fighting for you, and pushing for a fair benefits system ✊ You can also read the letter in full on the Scope website ➡ https://lnkd.in/eYBRNDW4

Young people’s mental health is at crisis point - but we have an opportunity to make things better. Young Futures hubs could provide the change young people have been asking for - early, flexible support based in our communities. The UK Government has invested an additional £7 million into 24 hubs - a great start! But to truly make a difference, we need funding to be long-term and support to be nationwide. That’s why, today, the #FundTheHubs coalition is launching a blueprint explaining how to make it happen. 📄 Read it now and help us push for better: https://lnkd.in/ea6jhYxf

Afeefa is one of the 54,000 people behind the Mental Health Act. Her incredibly powerful words speak to many who have had similar experiences. It’s not good enough and it’s time to Raise the Standard. The Mental Health Act is outdated, not fit for purpose and needs reform. That’s why the UK government has brought the Mental Health Bill to Parliament this year. This will create the legislation to improve the Mental Health Act. With the right changes to the Mental Health Act, we can have a better say over treatment, tackle the Act’s racial inequalities and make the law work for young people. We’re going to keep fighting for the Bill to get through, so we can make things better for Afeefa, and the 54,000 others sectioned under the Act every year.