Positive Support Group's Response to the Reforms to the Mental Health Act
Positive Support Group (PSG) would like to express our support for the government’s newly announced reforms to the Mental Health Act[1], which took effect on November 6th.
?The Mental Health Act outlines a set of laws governing the treatment, care, and rights of individuals facing mental health conditions. Under this act, individuals may be admitted to a hospital and receive treatment against their will if they have a mental illness considered putting them or others at risk, a process known as sectioning.
?Unjustifiably long inpatient stays are a serious issue for individuals with learning disabilities and autism. The average length of stay for this group is 4.9 years, contrasting sharply with the 39-day average for the general UK population[2]. PSG are therefore especially pleased that the new bill restricts detention for those with learning disabilities or autism to 28 days, unless a co-occurring health condition exists.
?Nonetheless, it is vital that these changes are combined with a societal readiness for high quality, community-based support. Unfortunately, we have frequently found that there is a lack of specialist support available in people’s everyday settings. Interdisciplinary collaboration and co-ordination at systems level is essential to generate multi-faceted, creative and durable strategies that prevent segregation.
?PSG recognises that it is vital to give people a voice in their own support. We welcome that the new bill facilitates co-production by requiring individualised care and treatment plans which include specific information on the progress needed for discharge.
?Through a holistic, multi-element model, PSG provides services specifically focussing on preventing unnecessary and lengthy hospital stays. We work together with our clients to identify the supports and accommodations required to live healthy and fulfilled life within their community.
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?We have seen firsthand that with the right support in place, many people can overcome adversity and flourish. If you want to know more or would like to make a referral, please email [email protected] or visit our website positivesupportgroup.com.
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[1] Department for Health and Social, Care, 2024
[2] Kings Fund: Mental Health 360
Great insights! Positive Support Group Positive Support Group’s response to the Mental Health Act reforms highlights the critical need for patient-centered care and protection of rights. These reforms are a step forward in ensuring better mental health support, reducing stigma, and providing tailored, compassionate care for those who need it most.
Absolutely agree. Working across siloes and where the individual is right now is key to improving quality of life.
PBS practitioner
4 个月These changes really are fantastic news to people with learning disabilities, autism and others who are struggling with mental health issues. They're a first step towards a more compassionate and person-centred support for those who are going through a mental health crisis. Not will this benefit the individual, but society as a whole. However, as the article mentions, it's crucial that the changes are matched by access to community-based support. For this to happen we need to collaborate across agencies and disciplines to make sure we can offer efficient and lasting support.