News Release, 31 July 2001
An independent report funded by the former Department for Education and Employment has called for more support to be given to people with mental health problems on a low income, to tackle poverty, social exclusion and barriers to work.
"An Uphill Struggle" is the final report of FOCUS On Mental Health's 2000/2001 work on poverty and mental health, and has been sent to Maria Eagle, Minister for Disabled People. Kevin
Burnand of MINDLINK, a user of services who helped draw up the report, said:
"Many people with mental health problems can lead blighted lives. One problem is the stigma and discrimination that surrounds mental health issues. Another is the fact that most people with a mental health problem live in poverty, living on state benefit or on a low income. The lack of choice and grinding daily existence does not help anyone recover from mental health problems."
The report sets out findings from a survey of users of mental health services, including:
- 72% said they were on a low income, by their own definition
- 66% said they had difficulties making their income last for a week
- 81% thought mental health problems increased the likelihood of being on a low income
- 50% said their financial situation meant that they were excluded from their community.
The report makes a number of specific recommendations, including:
- users of services and carers must be enabled to participate in the consultation and planning of mental health services - funding for this should be ring-fenced
- local funding should be targeted at services that support people to have a social life. For some this will include facilitating drop-in centres and self-help groups
- the Government should fund more education and training opportunities for people with mental health needs. Evaluation of schemes that work must involve service users
- service users' care plans should include an assessment of income issues and ensure the necessary support to an individual in obtaining either benefits or work
- audits should be undertaken of Benefits Agency staff to assess their familiarity with disability benefits regularly claimed by people with mental health problems.
Lynne Jones MP, chair of the All Party Group on Mental Health, said:
"This report demonstrates the struggle faced by people with mental health problems who live on a low income. I hope it will inform the Government in developing policies that will effectively achieve the aim of helping sufferers of mental ill-health lead as full a life as they can, including overcoming the barriers to employment."
Edith Morgan, Vice Chair of FOCUS, said:
"Poverty disempowers people with mental health problems. One service user told us, "No one seems to care if you're alive or dead". We want issues around low income, benefits and poor employment prospects to be taken fully into account in decisions on mental health policy and practice."
Return to news releases 2001
For further information and interview requests contact please contact the press office on 020 7803 1105 / 1128 or email the press office
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
