I have been watching the progress of the Mental Capacity Bill closely. One of the reasons I, and many activists I’m sure, became involved in politics was because of our concern over mental health, the marginalised, and mental capacity issues. Indeed, my other half researches in this area, so I have an in-house expert on […]
Lib Dem Voice
When it comes to mental health, all’s fair in love and leafleting
We all feel it. Brexit is a battleground. It’s muddy trenches that stink to high heaven whichever side of it you’re on, and like sticky quicksand it’s near impossible to escape. What’s more, the confrontational atmosphere is contributing to a mental health crisis in our political system, one that needs addressing fast. For someone used […]
10 April 2019 – the overnight press releases
Report proves need for a transformational investment in mental health The Liberal Democrats have called for a “transformational investment in mental health” following a report by the Children’s Commissioner for England which shows over a third of local areas have cut real terms spending on ‘low level’ children’s mental health services. Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson […]
Ruby Wax is appointed Chancellor of Southampton University – with a focus on mental health
Embed from Getty Images This is very refreshing news. American actress, comedian, mental health campaigner, lecturer and author, Ruby Wax has been appointed Chancellor of Southampton University. Southampton University is a research-intensive establishment with around 25,000 students. It is a founding member of the leading Russell Group of British Universities. Its notable alumni have included […]
Judith Jolly writes: Lib Dem Brexit health win in the Lords
In the midst of all the Brexit chaos, I want to take a moment to reflect on a significant and unreported win for the Liberal Democrats against the Conservative Government. A few months ago, a Bill was introduced into Parliament which seemed fairly uncontroversial – it’s aim was to replicate our reciprocal healthcare arrangements with […]
Lib Dem bill to bring in mental health checks for new mums
Tomorrow is International Women’s Day. And today, in advance of IWD 2019 our Lib Dem MP Wera Hobhouse will introduce a Bill to improve mental health care for new mothers. I welcome this legislation. As a mother of three, I am well aware of what is currently offered to new mothers. It is not enough. This campaign […]
Lib Dem bill to bring in mental health checks for new mums
Tomorrow is International Women’s Day. And today, in advance of IWD 2019 our Lib Dem MP Wera Hobhouse will introduce a Bill to improve mental health care for new mothers. I welcome this legislation. As a mother of three, I am well aware of what is currently offered to new mothers. It is not enough. This campaign […]
Claire Tyler writes: Children need better access to mental health care
Mental health care in this country needs radical transformation. Both adult and children’s mental health services continue to be plagued by long waiting times, lack of access to treatment and chronic staff shortages. For children, the average wait between their first symptoms developing and being able to access treatment is estimated to be a horrifying […]
Norman Lamb’s message for Time to Talk Day
Today is Time to Talk Day. Norman Lamb was probably the best Minister we had in the Coalition years. He did so much to try to change the culture of the NHS on mental health. And what I particularly liked was that there was no bullshit from him. If something wasn’t good enough, he owned […]
Using colourful Pom-poms to remember Holly #TimetoTalk
Having five brothers and one sister means that I am lucky to have lots of glorious nieces and nephews, and, nowadays, great nieces and great nephews. I am a bit like “Great Uncle Bulgaria” in the Wombles. But last July, we lost one of my nieces, Holly (pictured, right). Never mind me being her uncle, […]