Mind reacts to UK government comments on mental health
Chief Executive of Mind, Dr Sarah Hughes, has reacted to UK government comments about people with mental health problems claiming benefits in The Telegraph this morning.
She said: “The comments made by the Work and Pensions secretary are concerning and risk increasing the stigma around mental health. Politicians and commentators need to consider the impact of their words on people who face exceptionally difficult circumstances.
“While latest figures from the DWP do show an increase in the number of people unable to work due to mental health problems, the answer is not to force them into employment regardless.
“People need to be offered tailored support from experts if they are to return to work, not threats of losing what little money they currently have to live on. That support just isn’t there – with 1.9 million people on waiting lists for NHS mental health services it is clear that the focus should be on improving the system.”
