As the Mental Health Act Code of Practice Consultation counts down the last few days to 12 September (the very last day for submissions), we're already looking ahead to when the report of its findings will be published.
As art therapy is an important and effective tool in the treatment of those with mental health problems, it seems appropriate that we offer the creative amongst you the opportunity to design the report's cover.
Full details can be found here. In the meantime, in a new article on GOV.UK, Norman Lamb, Minister for Care and Support explains why engagement with this consultation is still important, urging more contributions even in these last few days.
So, two ways to get involved in this most worthwhile of exercises!
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5 comments
Comment by Peter Saunders posted on
Well, I belong to those, who have a mental health issue, and find the behaviour towards me absolutely appauling! Have moved here from the continent and have Epilepsy. I live alone. No relatives and places to go, and have to fight it out with my doctors, to receive the proper amount of painkillers, to to the constant pain in my left leg! Live in Barry, Wales, where there is nothing whatsoever in mental care.
yours sincerely, P. Saunders
Comment by termite posted on
Patients must be able to book an appointment with a psychiatrist when they need it, just like they do with a GP.
Psychiatrists sit in their ivory towers deciding when they want to see patients, surely they should be available when the patient NEEDs to see them.
Psychiatrists should be monitored like GP's and be made to give patients a service other than yet another script!
they need to make time to listen, to look at root problems rather than deal with just the symptoms.
I feel it is time they started earning their salary!
Comment by Sarah C posted on
well said!
Comment by PStickley posted on
Mental health affects a considerable number of people who are employed. Many continue to attend work, despite having problems, and only function at a fraction of their potential. Some people will be making crucial conditions under the influence of mind-changing drugs or in an unfit mental state. There are many employers in this country who have chosen pay sick pay to their employees ONLY IF THEY SUFFER PHYSICAL INJURY at work, and possibly then only for a limited time. If mental damage is suffered by the employee as a result of work, this is rarely recognised, whatever the level of mental illness. Sick pay is unlikely to be paid. Other forms of "patch it up" therapy may be offered, but this is mostly useless and almost always too late - like the proverbial stable door. Many employers are happy to ignore the existence of mental unhealthiness, and take the view "if you can't stand the het, get out of the kitchen", which is very expensive for them and even more expensive for the Government of the day, and that is without considering the cost to the individual.
It is my view that employers should be under a statutory obligation to recognise, assist and pay staff who have suffered mental stress and other mental conditions as a result of pressure of work and other such pressures which are felt at work. This in itself would reduce bullying in the workplace, which is STILL very evident.
Comment by joe hannigan posted on
please use a design that reflects the dual diagnosis aspects of mental illness,the links between physical illness, disability and the changes in life eg pregnancy,growing up and older etc. Also, nothing glib like sad patients and cool nurses and shrinks... it can be the reverse in real life!
Good luck with shifting a commensurate share of health funding into mental health.
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