News Release, 26 September 2003
The Mental Health Alliance will attend this year's Labour Party conference to urge the Government to radically alter the Draft Mental Health Bill before the next session of Parliament.
The draft Bill, published in June last year, triggered almost universal opposition from across the mental health spectrum, uniting charities, service-user groups and professional bodies including the Royal College of Nursing and The Law Society in their concerns.
The Alliance will host a reception at the Highcliffe Hotel on Wednesday 1 October entitled The Bill: Who Pays? The meeting will be addressed by Health Minister Rosie Winterton MP.
Alliance Chair Paul Farmer said: "This is a critical time for all those who share our grave concerns about the Bill, and there are many in each of the three main parties. The Government must take the time to listen to the many people who have expressed strong concerns, and make crucial changes to the Bill.
"We will be speaking to politicians across the spectrum at this year's conferences, to ensure they understand the importance of new mental health legislation. We must have a Bill that gives us the best chance of getting legislation fit for the 21st Century."
Guests at the reception will also hear the views of journalist, public relations consultant and television producer and presenter Liz Main. Liz is an experienced user of mental health services, and has been detained under the Mental Health Act. She is now a freelance mental health consultant, and an ambassador for the Department of Health's Mind out for Mental Health Campaign.
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For further information and interview requests contact please contact the press office on 020 7803 1105 / 1128 or email the press office
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