The BIG question

Joan Scott
Action Unlimited

The time restriction on aftercare is wrong. By the time they’ve
come out and settled down, the six weeks will be up. I think free
aftercare should be for a good six months or longer. Otherwise they
won’t get the treatment they need and they’ll end up back in
hospital because they won’t be able to cope.

Len Smith
Gypsy Activist

It is entirely unreasonable for limits to be placed on aftercare of
any kind. If the case warrants it, aftercare in some form should
continue until no longer needed. Refusing it potentially places
both the patient and community at risk. It is a mark of a civilised
society that it cares for its sick and vulnerable.

Shaun Webster
CHANGE self-advocacy group

It’s an unfair restriction. How will people with mental health
problems cope outside? If they got better in hospital but then have
worries when they come out, they could be back to square one. They
could spend their lives going in and out of hospital.

Karen Shook
Disability Equality Adviser

This is causing enormous anxiety among survivors. It’s just putting
people back on the roundabout – we take you in, get you stable,
chuck you out then forget about you until the next time you’re
admitted. Mental health problems are something you live with for
life.

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