Rethink Mental Illness helps to launch new NHS mental health taskforce

The charity Rethink Mental Illness has teamed up with NHS England and other mental health organisations to launch a major new Taskforce aimed at dramatically improving mental health services in England.

The Taskforce will develop a five year strategy aimed at dramatically improving the support that people with mental illness receive.

Rethink Mental Illness CEO Mark Winstanley said:

"For a long time, our supporters and members have been campaigning for urgent reform in mental health services. Too many people can't get the support they need, and the standard of care available across the country is very inconsistent.

"But it doesn't have to be this way, and we hope this Taskforce can lead the way in radically improving the support that people receive. Our priority is to ensure that the views and experiences of people affected by mental illness play a key role in shaping this national five-year plan for mental health.

"We know which services are most effective in helping people, as well as being most cost-effective, and we will working hard to try and ensure that they are put in place across the NHS.

"The challenge and opportunity is clear – if we take steps to improve our nations' mental health now, we have the chance to improve the lives of millions of people."

ENDS

For more information, contact Brian Semple, Media Manager for Rethink Mental Illness on 0207 840 3043 or email brian.semple@rethink.org

Notes to editors

Rethink Mental Illness is a charity that believes a better life is possible for people affected by mental illness.

Since 1972 we have brought people together to support each other.

We run services and sup­port groups that change people's lives and challenge attitudes about mental illness.

We support almost 60,000 people every year across England to get through crises, live independently and realise they are not alone.

We give information and advice to 500,000 more and change policy for millions.

For more information go to www.rethink.org

For access to a range of free images to accompany mental health news stories please visit: http://www.newscast.co.uk. These images have been developed by the anti stigma campaign Time to Change, run by the charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, and funded by the Department of Health, Comic Relief and the Big Lottery Fund.