Anxiety UK welcomes the government”s decision to prioritise psychological care for the mentally ill, young and elderly and that a dedication to increased investment in psychological therapies for those in need has been written into the governments spending plan.
Nicky Lidbetter, Anxiety UK CEO, adds, “We welcome and applaud the Government’s commitment to the expansion and continuation of vital mental health services, especially in these times of increasing need.”
In light of the economic downturn, increased unemployment and decreased job security, we are happy to see that services to support those affected by mental illness are being upheld and bolstered. Losing employment can be stressful for many reasons; familiar routines, friends and sense of identity are lost, and pressures are put upon the purse strings.
We will always be here to provide a service for those affected by anxiety. News that investment is being concentrated in this important area means that everybody benefits, as the task of improving the lives of those in need is shared.
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I really do appreciate that AnxietyUK are doing what they feel is right, but I feel as an organisation that you are being too naive. 100 people are hardly representative of a whole membership, or the feelings of those the policy will affect. I cannot help but wonder if the most vulnerable are the least able to respond to it too. There is also a problem about awareness of what these cuts do actually mean for those who are at the severe end of the anxiety scale, or who with co-morbid conditions. Surely it is up to the charity to look into it in depth with the research from the major mental health charities, and bring awareness to the issues ahead. The other charities released press releases on the same day as the cuts were announced.
I have found from my own researching that it does seem that the majority of comments on mental health charity websites have been about the fears of the spending cuts and welfare reform, especially where the impact has been publicised and discussed. But I agree with “Worried”, that it is not the point either. If AnxietyUK wish to represent its members then it has to represent the most vulnerable; they are going to be the hardest hit.
I understand that AnxietyUK is beneficial for a lot of people and I realise that my feelings may sound harsh – but I stand by my opinion that AnxietyUK does not represent me, as an anxiety sufferer, who will be severely impacted by the Government”s policy.
As a charity I feel Anxiety UK should have a moral obligation to support their membership regardless of how many members are affected by the spending cuts. Despite the concerns given here from various members Anxiety UK have failed to give their assurance that they are against the cuts and changes in welfare cuts and reform. This is a crucial time as it is now where the sick and disabled really need support from professional charity bodies such as Anxiety UK. Although I agree work can be beneficial to some anxiety sufferers, the fact remains that there are a proportion of people currently unable to work due to the severity of their conditions. It is during this time where Anxiety UK should be supporting those members/people. Failure to acknowledge this is letting down the most vulnerable, the very people that need services that Anxiety UK provide.
I’m very sceptical about this government’s commitment to mental health. I firmly believe that their proposed cuts to benefits are going to cause terrible worry and anxiety to many who have needed them because they cannot get a job, or keep one, because of their mental illness. I don’t believe for a minute that there is going to be any more help and support for these people than there is now. Mental Health Services are woefully inadequate with long waiting lists for treatment.
As for the ‘support’ for all those who are going to find themselves on ESA and deemed fit for work, rubbish! From my experience of job centres there’s very limited understanding by staff of mental health conditions and what’s more they are not interested because it’s too difficult to deal with.
I think the Peer Mentoring Project is a great idea because it has been specifically developed with the needs of mental health sufferers in mind. I’m personally involved in this project, it’s not about forcing people into unsuitable jobs but helping them to accomplish acheivements, no matter how big or small, as long as it’s important to the mentee, that’s what matters. It often only takes that small step in the right direction to give a person a boost of confidence.