How often have you been faced with a constituent who’s struggling with a mental health problem, and not known how you can help?

Today Mind, Rethink Mental Illness and the Royal College of Psychiatrists launch a booklet which sets out practical ways for MPs and staffers to support constituents with mental health problems. The booklet is endorsed by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Mental Health (APPGMH).

Over the past few years an increasing number of MPs have approached our organisations to ask for advice in supporting constituents with mental health problems. This is not surprising – one in four people will experience a mental health problem in any one year, and mental health problems can affect anyone, from any background. But in the current difficult economic climate, MPs have told us that they are experiencing a rise in case work in which mental health – such as anxiety over the future – plays a role.

We know MPs are comfortable in assisting constituents with more ‘traditional’ concerns, such as housing or employment. And even if they are not sure in a certain case, most know where they can go to find more information. But there is a feeling that when it comes to mental health, it’s more difficult to know how to help.

Sometimes it’s simply a matter of not knowing what sources of help are available locally. But we hear of times when MPs or staffers have had to help constituents in states of extreme distress or anxiety, and have lacked confidence in their approach. At these times it would be beneficial to have some practical advice and guidance from organisations with specialist knowledge of mental health.

Over the last year our organisations have worked with MPs and staff from all political parties, to find out what information would be helpful for them to have. The booklet we have produced provides an overview of mental health, and sets out the local bodies and organisations that can help MPs support constituents. It also addresses how MPs and staffers can look after themselves in situations that are more challenging, and includes practical examples of the language and working practices that could be employed.

It is available to download from any of our organisations’ websites and a hard copy will be posted to all constituency offices this week. Please look out for it, please read it, and please use it. We believe that by developing understanding and confidence in supporting people with mental health problems will lead to a more meaningful interaction between constituents, MPs and staffers.

Paul Farmer, Chief Executive Mind
Paul Jenkins, Chief Executive Rethink Mental Illness
Sue Bailey, President Royal College of Psychiatrists

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