"The second reading of the Mental Health Bill is another positive step in the right direction," says BPS

Responding to the second reading of the Mental Health Bill in the House of Lords this week, President of the British Psychological Society Dr Roman Raczka said:

"The Mental Health Act has long required reform to ensure it is fit for purpose. The second reading of the Bill in the House of Lords is another positive step in the right direction to make this a reality. 

"It was encouraging to see the BPS's call for a review of the Building the Right Support action plan discussed. Without necessary and additional investment in community-based services, the proposed changes to remove autism and learning disability from section three of the Act could have potentially harmful unintended consequences. The changes might inadvertently result in criminalising the very individuals the Act aims to protect. A review is essential to ensure that people with learning disabilities and autism can be supported to live in the community. 

"This, and many other parts of the proposed Bill, can only be achieved with an increase in the psychological workforce, as well as greater funding for the sector. This will be crucial to ensuring patients get the support they need and in the most appropriate settings. We will continue to work with the UK and Welsh governments to make sure those experiencing severe mental health issues are able to access the right support, from the right professionals, as quickly as possible."