Mental health inequalities are unjust and unnecessary. Too often, people facing poverty, racism and exclusion are more likely to have worse mental health and – when they do get help – have the poorest experiences of support.
It doesn’t have to be this way. It’s time for action.
Yesterday, we launched the final report of our Commission for Equality in Mental Health. Mental health for all? is the culmination of two years of exploring mental health inequalities, the impact they have on people and wider society, and how we can tackle them.
Alongside the report, we’ve shared blogs, videos and infographics to drive home why we need to act now on mental health inequalities.
The final report of our Commission for Equality in Mental Health, Mental health for all? says that inequalities which have for too long been accepted or ignored can and should be reduced, through concerted action nationally and locally.
It highlights the way mental health inequalities mirror wider economic and social inequalities, preventing people getting the support they need. But it also shows that effective action is possible. We've set out what a system designed for equality would look like, and how communities, local organisations, public services and national government can work together to generate change at scale.
"Inequality is not simply a fact of life. It damages people’s wellbeing and causes harm that can last a lifetime. It doesn’t have to be this way. Through concerted action it can be changed."
Liz Sayce, Chair of the Commission for Equality in Mental Health
Videos
Rose Ssali, Chair of Mama Health and Poverty Partnership, speaks to Marsha about how the the mental health inequalities faced by African communities in Greater Manchester.
Atif Choudhury, CEO of Zaytoun and Diversity & Ability, shares his story, reflecting on the intersections between neurodiversity, dyslexia, class and ethnicity.
Jessica Agudelo shares her story as the daughter of Colombian parents who grew up on a council estate in London, and the toll that financial insecurity continues to take on her family's wellbeing.
Poppy Jaman OBE, one of the Centre's trustees, shares her own experience of inequalities and explains why now is the time for action.
Download our inequalities fact sheet
Want to learn more about inequalities in mental health? We've put together a handy fact sheet to arm your with the evidence. Download it here.
Blogs
Equality in mental health: Richard's story As a deaf person, Richard France struggled for decades to access effective mental health support. Here, he shares his experience.
Equality in mental health: Christine's story Christine Walker shares how she struggled to access mental health support in her 70s after struggling with a long-term physical condition.
A stain on our society? Inequality and mental health David Walker reflects on how mental health has been neglected even within the inequality arena, and explains why the messages from Mental health for all? are so critical.
We hope you've enjoyed hearing about our work bringing equality for mental health closer.
