Mind responds to Health and Social Care Committee report on Community Mental Health Services

“This report must mark a turning point in the Government’s approach to mental health.

"Too many people are being let down by community mental health services that are not delivering the integrated, trauma-informed, person-centred care they are supposed to. Chronic under-investment, combined with rising demand driven by worsening social and economic pressures, means people are routinely passed between services, face lengthy waits, and may still not receive the support they need even after entering a community mental health pathway. Overstretched staff are frequently forced to prioritise those in crisis.

“We need to break this cycle by expanding open-access, culturally appropriate services so that people can get timely help before reaching crisis point. A comprehensive response is essential, including sustained funding, a credible plan to reduce waiting lists, improved models of care, and action to address the social and economic factors that drive poor mental health.”