SHCA publishes survey findings on mental health support

The SHCA has published the findings of our recent survey on mental health. Earlier this year we surveyed our charity members, representing a wide range of rare and complex conditions, on the importance and accessibility of mental health support. 

The findings tell a clear story: for people living with a rare or complex condition and their families, timely, equitable and high-quality mental health support is a vital need which is not currently being met. 

Particularly notable results from the survey include:

• Delays: 78% of respondents said that the average wait to access mental health support is six months or longer; only 3% said support is accessible in six weeks or less 

• Quality: 62% of respondents described the quality of mental health support available as ‘poor’

• Variation: 60% of respondents said there is a postcode lottery when it comes to mental health support, with access varying based on where people live in the UK 

• Strain on the charity sector: 91% of charities supporting people with rare or complex conditions are under increased strain since the COVID-19 pandemic, as they are having to offer mental health support which should be typically provided by the NHS, with 48% describing this pressure as ‘unsustainable’

In light of the survey findings, the SHCA is calling on policymakers to act to improve mental health support for all those living with a rare or complex condition. You can read the full briefing here, which contains all our findings and our 5 recommendations for change.