News Release, 6 February 2006
Toby Williamson, Head of Policy at the Mental Health Foundation is to join the Department of Constitutional Affairs on a secondment basis as its new Stakeholder and Communications Manager to assist with the implementation of the Mental Capacity Act, which was passed by Parliament in April 2005 and due to come into effect in April 2007.
Toby, who will join the Department of Constitutional Affairs in February 2006, held Co-chair position of the Making Decisions Alliance for two years, which successfully campaigned for and helped to shape the new legislation on mental capacity for England and Wales.
Talking about his 18-month secondment to the Department of Constitutional Affairs, Toby Williamson said:
“Charities within the Making Decisions Alliance have been working together to fight for a Mental Capacity Act for 15 years. It will be very rewarding to see this legislation through to implementation at the Department of Constitutional Affairs. This legislation, despite some confusion and concerns while going through Parliament, has the potential to provide a long overdue and much-needed legal framework to support the 2 million people in England and Wales who, because of illness, injury or disability, experience difficulties in making decisions. People will get the rights they deserve.”
Williamson, who has spent over three years at the Mental Health Foundation, joined as the Head of Strategies for Living, before leading the Policy team in 2004.
Ends
Return to news releases 2006
Notes to editors
For further information and interview requests contact please contact the Press Office on 020 7803 1128 / 1130 or email the press office
The Mental Health Foundation uses research and practical projects to help people survive, recover from and prevent mental health problems. We work to influence policy, including government at the highest levels. And we use our knowledge to raise awareness and to help tackle the stigma attached to mental illness. We reach millions of people every year through our media work, information booklets and online services.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
