Mental Welfare Commision
The Mental Welfare Commision is an organisation with a mission to be a leading and independent voice in promoting a society where people with mental illness, learning disabilities, dementia and related conditions are treated fairly, have their rights respected, and have appropriate support to live the life of their choice.
The commision does this by empowering individuals and their carers, monitoring mental health and incapacity law, and influencing and challenging service providers and policy makers.
Individuals may be vulnerable because they are less able, at times, to safeguard their own interests. They can have restrictions placed on them in order to receive care and treatment. When this happens, the Mental Welfare Commision makes sure it is legal and ethical.
Recently and independent stakeholder survey has been done to highlight the wonderful work they are doing and where there is still room to improve.
Julie Paterson, chief executive, Mental Welfare Commission, said:
“While there are many positive results and comments in the survey, people are also telling us where they want us to improve or change our work.
“One priority is for us to raise awareness of our role amongst people who have lived experience, and their families or carers. We are a small organisation, but we recognise we need to find new ways of continually ensuring that people who might benefit from contacting us are aware of who we are and what we do.
“The survey also shows that people want us to challenge services (in hospital or in the community) more, and apply more pressure to make sure our recommendations are followed. Some are calling for the Commission to be granted more powers to enforce change.
“Along with the full survey results, we publish an action plan today that details how we will address these issues. I would like to thank everyone who took part and gave us their views.
Have a look here if you’d like to find out more about the Mental Welfare Commision, the survey report and the action plan.
