Mind gives evidence to Nottingham Inquiry
Mind provided evidence to the Nottingham Inquiry: Its evidence showed that:
- The current mental health system is not doing enough to support people with serious mental illness.
- There is a lack of proactive outreach to people who do not engage with mental health services, meaning that they can fall through the cracks.
- A severe lack of culturally competent care means that people from ethnic minority backgrounds aren’t getting the support they need before reaching crisis point.
Reacting to the Inquiry coming to an end, Dr Sarah Hughes, CEO of Mind, said:
“Mind has welcomed the opportunity to assist the Nottingham Inquiry with its evidence. At the heart of this Inquiry is a profound tragedy, and our thoughts are with the victims’ families and the unimaginable loss they have experienced.
“Our evidence is driven by a commitment to a mental health system that keeps the public safe and avoids people falling through the cracks when they are at their most vulnerable. The Inquiry has shown that the current system is not fit for purpose. One of the most serious consequences of these systemic failures is that people can reach a point where they are unable to keep themselves - or others – safe and cannot access the help they need.
“Decisions about whether someone needs to be detained under the Mental Health Act should be based on an objective assessment of risk, as is possible. But the disproportionate number of people from racialised communities – and Black men in particular – detained under the Act, represents a failure of the wider mental health system to provide appropriate support before reaching crisis.
“It also reflects wider patterns of marginalisation, disadvantage, and discrimination within our society. We know that racism contributes to poor mental health while also limiting access to timely, appropriate care. This creates a damaging cycle that worsens outcomes and deepens inequalities.
“The UK Government’s upcoming mental health strategy must focus on improving support for people with a serious mental illness. This needs to include a specific focus on proactive outreach to people that current services are struggling to engage. DHSC, NHS England and Integrated Care Boards must also take steps to improve access to early and culturally appropriate support in the community. This is critical in making sure people can get the right support, at the right time, long before their mental health deteriorates to crisis point.
“Ensuring public safety and doing what is right for patients are not mutually exclusive. However, without significantly improved pathways for people to receive timely, quality, and consistent mental health care, there is a danger that the mistakes seen in relation to the Valdo Calocane attacks will be repeated.”
