Rethink Mental Illness

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We believe a better life is possible for millions of people affected by mental illness.

Over 40 years ago, one man bravely spoke about his family’s experiences in a letter to the Times. In the process he brought together hundreds to share their experiences of mental illness and support each other.

Today, we support hundreds of thousands of people to get through crises, to live independently and to realise they are not alone. And we change attitudes and policy for millions.

Visit www.rethink.org and find out more about what we are doing right now to change things for the better.

New Campaign Campaigns

  • 2 rfa 2008
    Stop unfair fit-for-work test
    UPDATE: In a new twist, the courts have agreed with us (and you!) and ruled that the WCA is unfair. However, they also said that they did not have enough information to compel the Department of Work and Pensions to make a specific change to the WCA. The judges stated that the WCA puts people with mental health problems, learning disabilities and autism at a “substantial disadvantage”, and that there may be reasonable adjustments that could be made to improve the process. Our son first became unwell with bipolar disorder when he was 19. Since then he has been hospitalised many times. He has been unable to live on his own and work for long periods of time because he has been unwell. Life for him can be difficult and the government should be helping, not making life harder. Our son was put through the new Work Capability Assessment (WCA) and despite providing all the information requested was marked as fit for work. When we appealed the judge immediately dismissed this decision, it turned out a full medical assessment had not been made. A judicial review has found that the same thing is happening across the country affecting and has ruled that it is unfair to thousands of people with mental illnesses. I imagine that Iain Duncan Smith is hoping we will all just go away. If we're going to change their behaviour, we need to dial up the pressure even more. Things need to change and there’s a really simple solution. Until the WCA is fixed, the Government should stop pushing people with mental health problems through this re-assessment process. If you agree with me, please sign my petition. Tell as many people as you can to sign along with you. Dick Acworth, campaigner and carer
    16,020 of 20,000 Signatures
    Created by Dick Acworth and Rethink Mental Illness