Mind responds to roll out of Right Care Right Person in London

Dr Sarah Hughes, Chief Executive of Mind, said:

“It is encouraging to see the NHS and Metropolitan Police working together on new approaches, so that people with mental health problems get the right support. However, we are deeply disappointed that the voluntary sector, which provides vital services in the capital, has not been meaningfully included in this joint working so far.

“We also remain extremely concerned about the pace of these changes and how they will play out in practice. We are already seeing people ending up in dangerous situations because of how Right Care Right Person is being interpreted in different parts of the country, so we are repeating our call for guarantees about how it will be introduced safely.

“We are also yet to hear how it is possible to remove the support of one agency without additional funding for others who will pick up the work. We know demand for mental health support in London is extremely high, both for our services and for NHS mental health beds, which are consistently filled in unsafe numbers. The UK government must commit to additional support for mental health services, and we urge other parts of the country to take their time and make sure the right people are round the table before introducing this. 

“Our message to people with mental health problems is that we know these changes are worrying but help is still available. If you are in an emergency, you should still call 999 and for other support, Mind continues to be here for you.”