Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Mental ill-health is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010, so discriminating against someone on the grounds of mental illness is illegal. MIND has produced helpful information on this:
Mental ill-health makes people more likely to experience other forms of disadvantage too. The Money and Mental Health Policy Institute reports that people who have anxiety or depression have a median gross annual income of £8,400 less than that of people without those conditions. There are other impacts too:
Money and Mental Health Facts – Money and Mental Health Policy Institute
Health and social care practitioners are increasingly aware of the need to consider the impact of poverty on those they work with:
The likelihood of experiencing discrimination and/or disadvantage means that advocacy and self-advocacy are important for many people who experience mental ill-health; they can help to redress significant imbalances of power. Mental health advocacy in Dorset is provided by Dorset Mental Health Forum, a user-led organisation that also offers Recovery Education, Social Connection and Crisis Support. For more about the Forum, visit their website:
The Ann Craft Trust resource provides more in-depth real life adaptations to practice which demonstrates how services are made accessible to all:
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