Mental Health Act Family Support 2025-03-25
2025-03-25
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Two ongoing constituency cases involving adult men with serious and long-term mental health issues, one threatening his mother, another causing distress to neighbors and threatening a police officer.
I have two ongoing constituency cases with adult men who have serious and long-term mental health issues. One of my constituents believes that her life is in danger because of her son’s threatening behaviour towards her—her own mental health has been seriously affected by the fear and stress. The other case involves a young man causing serious distress to his neighbours with his behaviour, which recently led to an incident where he reportedly threatened a police officer with a knife. Both men are living alone in unsupported accommodation, both are at risk of coercion and abuse because of their mental health problems, and both are causing serious distress to their families and neighbours. Will the Minister tell the House whether he is working with other Departments to ensure the availability of more provision to support people such as my constituents to live safely in the community and not cause harm or distress to those around them?
I know that the hon. Member has met my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State about at least one of those constituency cases. NHS England has asked mental health trusts to review the care of high-risk patients and has published national guidance on the standards of care that are expected. Ultimately, the Mental Health Act is there to protect people and provide the necessary powers to enable clinicians to manage and support such patients—and to do so, where possible, in the community.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not address whether he was working with other Departments specifically for the provision of more supportive measures for individuals like those described by Caroline Voaden.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Met Essex partnership university NHS foundation trust to discuss the need for better support of families with mental health issues, particularly young carers.
Yesterday I met Essex partnership university NHS foundation trust and spoke to it about the need to support the families of those suffering with mental health issues in Harlow, and particularly those with caring responsibilities. Will the Minister consider how mental health services can better identify and support young carers?
My hon. Friend will be aware that we are bringing forward the Mental Health Bill, and an important part of that legislation will enable family members—when they are chosen as a nominated person—to have powers to request assessment under the Act, challenge decisions and request considerations of discharge in line with the nearest relative powers.
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Assessment & feedback
While addressing the Mental Health Bill, the Minister did not specifically address how mental health services will better identify and support young carers.
Response accuracy