NSUN contributes to the Examination of the UK Government's Adherence to the UN Convention Against Torture (UNCAT) Read more
User-led organisations across the country are continuing to close, with the sector even facing a “real threat of extinction”, leading networks have warned this week. Read more
Here's an update of the contacts made with politicians and TUC members about human rights issues, including those related to the Mental Health Act Review Read more
Following the Mental Health Act Review, NSUN members and friends are invited to supply evidence relevant to chapter three of the Mental Health Code of Practice (2015), which provides guidance about the use of a human rights and equality approach under the MHA. Read more
NHS England published the NHS Long Term Plan, setting out how they will make the NHS fit for the future, stating the long-term plan could save up to 500,000 lives over the next decade. Read more
A short report on the launch event for Independent Review of the Mental Health Act final report 6 December 2018. Read more
NSUN has read the final report of the Independent Review of the Mental Health Act, published this week, so you don't have to Read more
The English National Hearing Voices Network (HVN England) is publishing an alternative report, today, to coincide with the launch of the government’s report on its Review of the Mental Health Act. Read more
Here is a summary of the main recommendations of the Independent Review of the Mental Health Act, our views on the recommendations and some of our work during the process. Read more
The final report of the Independent Review of the Mental Health Act was published today. The recommendations are steps toward a better situation, but they are only that. At best they improve what is already in place; but they aren’t the end point for the change needed. Read our response. Read more
'Punitive, mean spirited and callous' - the view of Philip Alston, UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, on Britain's austerity policies. Read more
'I have never before received so many submissions in advance of a country visit and I believe this level of engagement indicates a real appetite for a discussion about poverty and human rights in the UK' Read more
Following the launch of the SRN Manifesto and review of the future of SRN with NSUN, we are now re-advertising for up to four new members of the SRN Working Group. We are looking for people with a range of different experiences and interests and from different communities to help develop the SRN. The working group meets and communicates online, and the positions are currently voluntary. Read more
Despite a meeting in July between NSUN representatives and the Review Chair and Vice Chairs, little has changed. We continue to have strong misgivings about the Review in human rights terms. NSUN has now written a further letter of strong concern to the Review Chair and Vice Chairs and, this time, is contacting politicians as well. If you agree with our concerns, please support NSUN’s campaign by sending the letter to your MP Read more
After the damning assessment by UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD Committee) of the failure to protect disabled people’s rights across many areas of life in the UK in August 2017, the UK governments were asked to report back on progress on a number of areas one year on. Read more
The UK government is hosting a Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit in London on the 9th and 10th of October, 2018. The Summit aims to “build momentum on global mental health issues such as early intervention, public health, research, tackling stigma, and promoting access to evidence-based services.”. Read the Open Letters to the Organisers, Partners and Delegates of the Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit, London Read more
People First, an organisation led by people with learning difficulties, is appealing for support against changes which the government is planning to make to the Mental Capacity Act via its Mental Capacity (Amendment) Bill. The situation is now urgent, because the Bill is already progressing within Parliament. Read more
NSUN recruiting Board positions: Chair, Treasurer and Trustees. Are you are interested in being a Trustee with a unique charity? Are you someone who has had experience of mental distress and/or a personal or professional interest in mental health? Read more
Challenge Sheffield and SODIT work with people with lived experience of mental health distress and used a recent grant from Healthwatch Sheffield to hold the Sheffield Mental Health Challenge Day Read more
NHS England has asked stakeholders to contribute views on the challenges of transforming mental health services in the long term. Read more
Between 6 and 18 November, Professor Philip Alston, the United Nations Special Rapporteur for extreme poverty and human rights, will be visiting the UK to assess the current situation here. Because many people with lived experience have been hard hit by austerity measures, NSUN is just about to send the Special Rapporteur a written submission about poverty issues facing us. Read more
NSUN invites representatives from user-led member groups across London to a FREE networking, sharing and design programme. Read more
North East together (NEt), a regional network for people with lived experience of mental health conditions, has been running ‘A Weight off Your Mind’, a project to support people in secondary services manage their weight. NEt Secreatry Mish Lorraine reports on how focus groups led to drafting a plan which results from true service user involvement. Read more
Due to the disappointing responses to NSUN's strong letter of concern to the Review Chair and Vice Chairs about the approach being taken to the Mental Health Act Review, NSUN is now planning a further letter to the Chair and Vice Chairs and a letter to the leaders of the main political parties and relevant All Party Parliamentary Groups. Can you help with suggestions? Read more