Mind

@mind.org.uk

11595 Followers 34 Following

Fighting for mental health – for support, for respect, for you ✊

There's been a huge rise in the number of people seeking mental health support in the last 10 years. Today the UK government is launching a review to find out why. The review will look at how to make sure people with mental health problems get the right support. It will also explore ways to prevent poor mental health. The report will be published next summer. We will be watching closely and hope it leads to real change. We are ready to work with the UK government on this review, which must be shaped by the voices of people living with mental health problems.
Headline image showing a BBC News story titled “Mental health patient waited 100 hours for a bed” with a photo of Colchester Hospital. Text above asks, “How many more headlines like this do we need to see before change happens?”
If you need to talk to someone urgently about your mental health Mind - 0300 102 1234 open 9am-6pm weekdays Samaritans - 116 123 always open. Call NHS 111 (press option 2 for mental health support, open anytime) CALM- 0800 58 58 58 (5pm - midnight everyday) Text PAPYRUS on 88247 or call their 24/7 HOPELINE on 0800 068 4141 (35 years and younger - open anytime)
Time for a check in, How are we all feeling? need a bit of support mind is racing pretty good tired releaxed okay, optimistic, bit out of it stressed
Bus stop ad sign that reads 'don't underestimate the power of one voice to change the mental health system'.
Breaking news 16 and 17-year-olds will be able to vote in the next general election. This is young people’s opportunity to have a say in their future. People will also be able to use bank cards as voter ID.
How can I help someone if they're struggling? offer practical help like chores ( laundry basket) educate yourself look for helpful info ( laptop with mind webpage) offer to go to appointments with them (hugging) ask them how they'd like to be supported (How can I help? sign) listen and don't judge (phone) Same time next week, keep social contact (mugs of tea)
'Self-care' in a jug being poured into a cup that says 'you can't pour from an empty cup'
Some helpful resources: Visit our website mind.org.uk Speak to your local Mind Use the search tool on our site. Samaritans 116 123 Citizens Advice citizensadvice.org.uk Turn2us turn2us.org.uk
There will be no changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP), for people receiving it now or newly receiving it in the future. The UK gov has started a review of PIP which they have committed to co-producing with disabled people. For people currently receiving the LCWRA or health element of Universal Credit (UC) or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), there will be no changes. People who lose eligibility for the health element for less than 6 months and become eligible again after April 2026 will still receive the higher amount. Most people who become eligible for the LCWRA or health element of UC or ESA from April 2026 onwards will receive a reduced amount.
A meme featuring two medieval-style illustrations of a king in a red robe and crown, gesturing differently in each panel. At the top, the king gestures thoughtfully with accompanying text: “A fair benefits system that supports people in the future.” In the bottom panel, the same king points enthusiastically with accompanying text: “Cuts that send more people into poverty.” The meme is captioned “UK government:” at the top. At the bottom, the handle @mindcharity is visible.
Protect your boundaries. Bubbles with the following boundaries in them: time for self-care, respecting your views and feelings, learning to say no, changing your mind, setting your own priorities, working only in work hours.
Let's talk about the UK government's benefits mess and explain what we actually know so far. Heads up: this is a rapidly changing situation and this is the most up to date knowledge we have at time of posting but we're going to keep updating as things progress.
Shock! New survey finds mental health is getting worse...As if we didn't already know that?
Speak out. Be heard. BBC newspaper clipping 'Government whip quits over disability benefit cuts'. Guardian clipping 'Labour MPs launch major rebellion to stop welfare bill'. Tell your MP to take a stand against disability benefit cuts. Use Mind's email tool to tell them to vote against these cuts.
Screenshot of UK GOV press release. Which says Welfare bill will protect the most vulnerable and help households with income boost. Scribbled text 'what?' Today the UK government introduced a bill to parliament. This bill would cut benefits for hundreds of thousands of disabled people. Struggling with your mental health is not a choice. But it is a political choice (underlined) to make these cuts.
A graphic illustrating how people often have contradictory feelings at the same time. In black type at the top it says "Two things can be true". Underneath it has four shaded blocks in two rows of two. Half of each shaded area is light pink, half light blue. Underneath each block there is writing in black type, saying: Top row, left to right: 1) I feel overwhelmed & I'm still doing my best. 2) I need space & feel lonely. Bottom row, left to right: 1) I'm grateful & I'm still struggling 2) I love them & I need boundaries
Happy Fathers day to dads who are new (baby bottle), are stepdads (lego), are chosen dads ( beachball) long to be (no.1 dad banner) are in our memories (flower) have lost (family picture in frame) are single ( best dad ever drawing) adopt (bicycle) are expecting (crib)
A PRIDE progress flag in the shape of a heart. Being LGBTQIA+ isn't a mental health problem. And it doesn't cause mental health problems. But discrimination, being judged or misunderstood can take a toll on our mental health.
A hand-drawn illustration showing how to boost your wellbeing in nature. The ideas include: take notice of nature, do activities outdoors, ecotherapy, help the environment, grow or pick food, connect with animals, bring nature indoors.
little blob with the words hey you are incredible
taking care of myself is productive on pink background
Instagram post by user Leah Mary Sullivan with text: "Not great. Struggling with intrusive thoughts," accompanied by a thumbs up and heart emoji.
Screenshot of a social media post by user 'katy_1989_' expressing sadness about their dad being told he has 8-12 weeks to live and reminiscing about the loss of their mom 12 months ago.
Screenshot of a social media post by a user named aicelvsu, stating "a cat came into my house it's so funny."
Screenshot of a social media comment by the user "halltme91" stating "In pain,"
An image displaying text that reads, "A very bad start, but it got better as the day progressed. 1d 10 likes.
Screenshot of a LinkedIn post by Glen Wilkins, who lists their profession as Art Director, Sculptor, and Film Maker. The post includes a text stating, "I always look forward to Wednesday,"
Handwritten note on lined paper stating "8 billion people experienced today in a different way.
A pink graphic with a list of mental health helplines for Mental Health Awareness Week. It includes: Mind: 0300 102 1234 (Open 9am–6pm weekdays) Samaritans: 116 123 (Always open) Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): 0800 58 58 58 (Open 5pm–midnight) If you're in Wales, CALL: 0800 132 737 (Always open) If you're under 25, The Mix: Text THEMIX to 85258 (Always open) Text at the bottom says: "Share and save this post."
Image featuring a self-care menu checklist with categories titled Starters, Mains, and Desserts. Each category lists relaxing activities including journaling, reading, taking a walk, visiting a gym, watching cat videos, and more. Background is soft orange with subtle floral patterns.
Next Week is Mental Health Awareness Week. Mental health is everything, everywhere, everyone. Join the fight with us next week Monday 12 May to Sunday 18 May, so no mind gets left behind.
A graphic titled "Hot weather reminder" with a sun illustration at the top. The text advises staying hydrated, resting in cool environments, and finding shade to stay safe during hot weather.
A screenshot of a news article with the headline "Nigel Farage claims UK is 'massively overdiagnosing' mental illness". The subheading reads "Reform leader claims GPs creating a 'class of victims' in elections speech." We've crossed out 'claims UK' and 'over-diagnosing' and replaced the latter with 'over-stigmatising' so the new headline reads "Nigel Farage is massively over-stigmatising mental illness". Above it is the headline, in Mind font, "Here we go again..."
An illustration promoting PMDD Awareness Month. In the middle it says in black handwriting PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) can look like…. The writing is surrounded by a series of coloured floating clouds with attached messages. Clockwise: * Red cloud: Body pains, headaches, breast tenderness. Light grey cloud: Feeling out of control, anxious or overwhelmed. Black cloud: Suicidal feelings. Blue cloud Loss of interest in things you normally enjoy. Light grey cloud with a hint of sun: Mood swings, strong emotions. Green cloud: Changes in appetite, feeling bloated. Dark grey cloud: Lack of energy, sleep problems. On the right hand side it says: @ellaharding.illustrates.
A blue and pink faded background with handwriting style text over the top that reads: I just want to say if you are trans and reading this I love you and so do all my mates.
Mental health is... home work sleep money environment welfare education physical health human rights housing finances culture family friends everything
Illustration titled "Feeling Stressed?" featuring eight colourful icons suggesting relaxation techniques: spending time in nature, getting sleep, connecting with senses, taking a screen break, being kind to oneself, getting outside, focusing on breathing, and reaching out for support. Each icon is accompanied by a simple, friendly image such as a tree, cloud, sun, and a heart.
If you’re worried about changes to benefits and need someone to talk to, please call us.' Three helplines are listed: Infoline – Open 9am-6pm, Monday-Friday. Contact number: 0300 123 3393. Support line – Open 9am-6pm, Monday-Friday. Contact number: 0300 102 1234. Welfare benefits line – Open 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday. Contact number: 0300 222 5782.
A lot of us like the longer, warmer spring days. But not all of us. We can still experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in spring.
A Mother’s Day illustration. In the middle is the headline in writing text saying ‘Sending Love to those who…’. Around the perimeter are five different hands, holding different coloured flowers. From top left (clockwise)_ long to be mothers (hand holding yellow flower) have difficult mother/child relationships (hand holding red flower) have lost children (hand holding pink flower) don’t know their mothers (hand holding white flower) have lost mothers (hand holding blue flower) Bottom right is the insta handle: @ellaharding.illustrates
If you're worried about changes to benefits and need someone to talk to, please call us: Infoline (Open 9am-6pm, Monday-Friday) 0300 123 3393 Support line (Open 9am-6pm, Monday-Friday) 0300 102 1234 Welfare benefits line (Open 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday) 0300 222 5782
You sectioned me for my own safety, that's what you claimed it to be.​ ​ I hated it there, always wondered why was I so medicated when there were people more ill than me?​ ​ As time went by, I started to notice my skin colour played a part.​ ​ Was I a threat just based on how I looked? It seemed it from the start.​ ​ A horrendous place that done way more harm than good but we don't talk about that, I think it's time we should.​ ​ Everyone is equal that's what the law says right? So please tell me why I had such a fight?​ ​ I made it out of there and since I have thrived but how many more people are still fighting just to survive?​ ​ Their voices unheard, this is never ok, parliament please I beg you to show them the way.
Video of Phil Mitchell in mental health hospital.
Watercolour illustration of a flower with the text "Today is the first day of spring!" on a light beige background.
A pink background with bold blue text stating, “Let’s end on a few positives.” Below, three points outline potential benefits: 1) Assessments will be recorded by default, which could help challenge unfair decisions. 2) Working will not trigger a benefits reassessment, aiding those with fluctuating mental health. 3) Safeguarding changes may improve support, but details are unclear.
A pink background with blue text explaining that Universal Credit health financial support will be delayed until age 22, and this is being consulted on. The infographic states that individuals will not receive extra UC health support until they turn 22, even if they qualify for PIP. The explanation warns that young people with mental health conditions will have to wait longer for financial help.
A pink background with blue text stating that financial support will be reduced for those too unwell to work, and this is not being consulted on. The infographic explains that the Universal Credit health top-up (LCWRA) will be frozen until 2029/30 and halved for new claimants from 2026. The explanation notes that while existing recipients will continue receiving payments, the amounts will not increase with inflation. The change starts in April 2026.
A pink background with blue text stating that a “Support Conversation” will replace WCA to determine work expectations. This change is being consulted on. The infographic explains that the conversation will focus on personal goals, but there is concern that people with mental health conditions may be expected to prepare for work even if they are unwell.
A pink background with blue text explaining that the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) is being scrapped and is not being consulted on. The infographic states that extra financial support will only be given to those who receive both Universal Credit (UC) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The explanation warns that people with mental health conditions will need to apply for PIP to receive additional financial help. The change starts in 2028/29.
A pink background with blue text stating that PIP eligibility is getting stricter and is not being consulted on. A small infographic shows that the government requires a minimum score of 4 points in one activity to get the daily living part of PIP. The explanation states that this change will make it harder to qualify, with a note that it starts in November 2026.
Minesh Patel of Mind talking about welfare benefit cuts.
Dear UK government, Let's be clear: our mental health is getting worse, and cutting benefits won’t help. You claim mental health is being “overdiagnosed”, but where’s the evidence? The reality is that our environment affects our wellbeing - pandemics, the cost of living crisis, political unrest and ongoing concerns around climate change are all taking their toll. But when people seek help, they face months, or even years, of waiting. Rhetoric like this is dangerous. It reinforces stigma and stops people getting support. If you’re serious about change, listen to those affected. We can turn this crisis around - but only if the government works with us, not against us. We look forward to hearing from you, Mind
A little illustrated sloth is hanging over a branch. He's got a contented smile on his cute face and is surrounded by illustrated leaves and hearts. Underneath him the text reads 'everyone deserves a rest. So we're switching off social media for World Sleep Day. This is your sign that you can too.'
Dear Chancellor, We are writing to you as a collection of charities to urge you to think again about cuts to disability benefits. Disability benefits such as Personal Independence Payments (PIP) and the Limited Capability for Work Amount, can be a lifeline for disabled households and can enable people who receive PIP to work. Making cuts to disability benefits would have a catastrophic impact on disabled people up and down the country. Scope’s analysis of government figures shows that without PIP, a further 700,000 more disabled households could be pushed into poverty. Life costs more for disabled people. Huge numbers already live in poverty as a result of these extra costs. The impact of any cuts to disability benefits would be devastating. We agree with the government’s ambition to support more disabled people into work. However, making cuts to disability benefits will not achieve this goal or fix the system. In fact, there is little evidence to suggest cutting benefits increases employment outcomes. We know the benefits system is broken and needs reform. That there are disabled people out of work who want to work given the right support. And for some disabled people work isn’t appropriate. Changes to welfare must start here. Not with cuts. The government has an opportunity to work with disabled people and the sector to bring about meaningful change. We want disabled people to be heard and supported by the government. The needs and voices of the disability community should be at the heart of the government’s plans. Disabled people should not be an afterthought. We would urge you to safeguard disability benefits from cuts, we fear the cost of cuts is too great. Yours sincerely, Scope, Mind, Citizens Advice, RNIB, Sense, Guide Dogs, Disability Rights UK, Trussell, Mencap, MS Society, Parkinson’s UK, Joseph Rowntree Foundation, National Autistic Society, Inclusion Barnet, Thomas Pocklington Trust, Z2K, Turn2Us
Speech being given in Houses of Parliament
Speech being given in Houses of Parliament
Artwork by Nicole Lacey featuring a figure sitting with knees drawn up, set against a textured pink and white background, framed and displayed in a gallery.
Artwork featuring a silhouette of a person seated, with their back facing the viewer, set against a background of text. The work displays a pink and white gradient.