Winterton: action pledge

Ministers have pledged further action to tackle the inequalities facing people with mental health problems.

Social exclusion minister Lord Rooker was joined by health minister Rosie Winterton for the launch of an official report on mental health and social exclusion.

Alongside the report, the government also set out an action plan to tackle discrimination and improve opportunities for people with mental health problems.

The report was compiled by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's social exclusion unit.

It outlined a range of problems facing people with mental health problems.

Winterton said more would be done to help those with mental helath problems into employment.

"From speaking to people with mental health problems throughout the country I know how vital it is that they are properly supported to gain or retain employment and access education, advice on finances, legal rights and other community facilities and appropriate health and social care services," she said.

"This report will also help these services to ensure that levels of current investment are used wisely and help to raise awareness of mental health problems in these areas."

Recent research for mental health charity Mind found that 84 per cent of people with mental health problems feel isolated from their communities.

The study concluded that lack of relationships, absence of appropriate social support, stigma and discrimination were all key factors leading to isolation.

"Many people with mental health problems are still condemned to a life of social segregation because of a vicious cycle of isolation worsened by stigma and prejudice," said Mind chief executive Richard Brook.