Speak up for mental health

Sunday 02 August 2015

There’s still time to help shape the biggest reform of mental health laws in almost 50 years.

Changes to the law promise better support, more help in the community and better access to independent advice, and the consultation is still open for another month.

Jersey’s mental health law dates back to 1969 – when treatment for mental health issues was very different, and when there was far more social stigma attached – but the Health department have been working with GPs, charities, the courts and the prison service to come up with changes.

A new law is being drawn up to go to the States – if it’s approved, it could be in force in 2018.

Among the proposals are:

- More treatment in the community, rather than in hospital.

- Better Human Rights protection so people aren’t detained inappropriately.

- Improved access to Mental Health Advocates to advise people of their rights and represent them if necessary.

- Allowing courts to send people with mental health issues to hospital for treatment.

Health Minister Andrew Green, along with Chief Minister Ian Gorst, has made reform of mental health legislation a key priority for the next few years.

Anyone can read the proposals for reform, which are online here. The Health department would like comments by the end of August – either online or by email here.