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The UK government has launched an ambitious plan to try to change people’s attitudes to mental illness. Ministers have pledged to take action to improve attitudes in the NHS, the media and the community. It follows an investigation into the experiences of people with mental illness by the government’s social exclusion unit. It found that many find themselves excluded from society and denied jobs because of their condition. The report outlines “a sustained programme to challenge discrimination against people with mental health problems”. Ministers have agreed to analyse complaints made against broadcasters for their coverage of mental health issues. They have also pledged to give people more information on how they can complain against programmes that stigmatise people with mental illness. They will issue guidance to housing providers, the private sector, the NHS, the police and Job centre staff to ensure they don’t discriminate against people with these conditions. Families of people with mental health issues will also be given more support. An independent advisory group is being set up to advise ministers on how well the action plan is being implemented. Richard Brook, chief executive of Mind, welcomed the report, saying: “This report is a positive move towards starting to balance out some of these injustices. By looking in depth at people’s experiences in all areas of life, the government now has the opportunity to move on and directly address their most immediate needs and the inequalities they face.” Source: BBC News, UK edition,
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