Around 50,000 people with severe mental health problems are having their mental, physical and social needs ignored, according to a report published today by the charity Rethink severe mental illness, writes Clare Jerrom.
The report comes a year after the charity first urged ministers to realise the needs of people with long-term mental health problems and their carers whose needs have been neglected through reforms to the mental health system.
“First and foremost they [the forgotten generation] want to be remembered, to be seen and heard and to be included in the reforms taking place across health and social care,” said Cliff Prior, chief executive of Rethink.
The report highlights how service users are frequently relying on services which are being closed to fund other services. In addition, this group are shunned by services due to a strict referral criteria.
The charity calls on GP practices to offer more services to the forgotten generation, including physical health checks and has launched an action pack to offer advice on self-management, health checks, medication reviews and how to campaign for better services.
Prior concluded: “The Forgotten Generation want to take greater control over their lives and should be offered real choice and effective involvement in planning their mental health care.
‘Action Stations’ from www.rethink.org
For more information:-
The Bigger Picture on mental health
Recent debate on 24-hour mental health services
Recent debate on adult mental health services
Details of government consultations
21 August 2008
Private Member Bills
25 July 2008
Government Legislation
25 July 2008
