SHCA publishes survey findings on mental health support
Published April 16, 2024The 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.