Mental health defenders - because nobody wins when mental health loses

Mind is working hard to challenge unfair policy and practice because we believe nobody wins when mental health loses. We need your help to do it - sign up to become a Mind campaigner.

Recent months have seen sweeping changes to public policy and public services, with devastating consequences for people with mental health problems.

People tell us they feel under attack.

• Cuts to public spending mean some vital mental health services have been forced to close their doors.
• Changes to the welfare system mean people with mental health problems are beginning to lose crucial benefits such as Employment and Support Allowance, and the future of other benefits like Disability Living Allowance is uncertain.
• Some of the fundamental rights and protections set out in our equalities, employment and human rights legislation are up for review, and vast reductions to the scope of legal aid means people will have even fewer opportunities to seek redress when the system works against them.

This booklet summarises the effects that health and social care, welfare reform, legal aid, employment and equality laws are having on people with mental health problems.

Download the booklet. (PDF 763 kb)