‘Time to Act’ campaign to reform the Mental Health Act launched

Over 2000 people with a learning disability and autistic people are still stuck in inpatient units, often far away from their families and friends, when they could be living in their local community with the right support. Learning disabilities and autism are not mental health conditions and cannot be “treated” or “cured”, but under the current Mental Health Act, they are classified as mental disorders. Because of this, people with a learning disability and autistic people are being sectioned and admitted to ‘assessment and treatment’ units, where they are subject to restraint, seclusion and segregation, overmedicated, and separated from their loved ones. We know that hospitals are not the right place for people with a learning disability and autistic people, and countless reports over the years have shown how being detained, restrained and overmedicated have caused serious harm and trauma. 

Read more about the CBF’s work to reduce restraint, seclusion and medication 

Find information on what trauma support is available for people with a learning disability 

The Draft Mental Health Bill sets out what we know – that learning disabilities and autism are not mental health conditions and that people with a learning disability and autistic people need to be able to access the right support in their communities, not be inappropriately detained in hospitals. But the Bill can only change this if it is passed into law. 

The CBF, Mencap, NAS and VoiceAbility are calling on Rishi Sunak and his government to pass the Mental Health Bill and make sure that people with a learning disability and autistic people won’t be inappropriately detained under the Mental Health Act. Passing the Bill will mean that they can get support in their community, near their friends and family, rather than experiencing the trauma of restraint, overmedication and seclusion. 

Sign our letter to the Prime Minister here