The Royal College of Psychiatrists, Rethink
Mental Illness and Mind have together produced a
booklet for
MPs which provides advice on how best to support
constituents with mental health problems.
MPs and staff regularly come into contact with people with
mental health problems through their constituency work, but receive
little guidance on how best to ensure that they support people’s
mental health and wellbeing.
Over the last year we have worked with Rethink Mental Illness
and Mind, in liaison with MPs and staff from all political parties,
to find out what information would be helpful for them to have. The
booklet we have produced provides an overview of mental health, and
sets out the local bodies and organisations that can help MPs
support constituents. It also addresses how MPs and staffers can
look after themselves in situations that are more challenging, and
includes practical examples of the language and working practices
that could be employed.
It also provides guidance on the most appropriate places to
signpost constituents to more suitable sources of help.
Copies are being sent to all MPs.
For further information, please
contact:
Liz Leicester
or Deborah Hart in the Communications
Department.
Telephone: 020 7235 2351 Extensions. 6298 or 6127