Our policy work

Our policy work influences government so that people with mental health problems can get support and respect.

Mental Health Act Review

We know how important it is that everyone with a mental health problem is treated with dignity and respect, even when they are at their most unwell. That's why we want to see action on the recommendations made by the independent review.

The NHS long term plan

On 7 January 2019, NHS England published its long term plan for the NHS, setting out how the NHS will meet the increasing demands on services over the next ten years. The plan identifies mental health services as a priority.

Access to justice

Government changes to legal aid in 2012 have disproportionately impacted people with mental health problems. Find out what we're doing about it, and read our new research.

Access to talking therapies

Many of you tell us you find talking therapies such as counselling and pyschotherapy really helpful. But there are still far too many of you who are not getting the treatment you need, when you need it.

Crisis care

When people's lives come crashing down in a mental health crisis, they need help. Urgently. Too many of us are not getting the help and support we need. Excellent crisis care exists. It can save lives. And that's why we need it available for everyone.

Equality & Human Rights

Equality and Human Rights are at the heart of all we do. We work to tackle the stigma and discrimination too often faced by people with mental health problems, and to make sure everyone has equal access to good mental health support.

Legal casework

Our legal team supports our policy and campaigns work, works with mental health lawyers and does some casework.

Our work in Parliament

MPs are there to represent your views. We try to help them understand what it's like to live with a mental health problem, and how they can help make sure everyone who does is treated fairly, positively and with respect.

Public health

Public health teams in local councils are responsible for leading initiatives that promote good physical and mental health. Unfortunately, we know that compared to physical health, they aren't investing anywhere near enough in mental health. Find out about what we're doing to make a difference.

Reports and guides

Read our reports on a range of mental health issues, from crisis care to sport, and prevention to work and benefits.

Sport, physical activity and mental health

With support from Sport England and the National Lottery, Get Set to Go has been helping people with mental health problems get active. Since 2015, Get Set to Go has seen 3,585 people with mental health problems take part in specially designed physical activity projects.