Mental Health Bill will create a 'climate of fear'

Posted Wednesday 10 November 2004

Mind’s evidence to Parliament highlights service users’ concerns.

Mind, the leading mental health charity in England and Wales, today gives evidence to the parliamentary committee charged with scrutinising government proposals for a new Mental Health Bill unveiled in September.

Read Mind's evidence to the committee

Kay Sheldon, a mental health service user due to give evidence on Mind’s behalf said,

"As a mental health service user I am frightened by compulsory treatment. I am frightened of what it could mean for me personally. And I am frightened of what its introduction could mean for the mental health system in general."

"It is no exaggeration to say that this legislation risks thousands of people simply avoiding seeking the care they need in fear that both their health needs and human rights will be completely ignored."

"I know from past experience how important it is for people experiencing mental ill health to be listened to and treated with respect. I was mis-diagnosed and as a result the medication I was given was completely ineffective. Had the current Government proposals been law then I could have been physically forced to take medicine with debilitating side effects and with no benefit whatsoever to my mental health."

"Coercion is a cop out. What mental health service users really need is quality care and patient consent."

***Ends***

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