Help make change to people in mental health crisis
The Issue
My son and I have been through an unimaginably painful and traumatic experience, one that escalated when he was detained under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act. While in the depths of a mental health crisis, he was subjected to lengthy delays and inhumane conditions — locked away in police vehicles and cage-like environments for hours. This only worsened his mental state, and I know we are not alone.
Section 136 is meant to be a safeguard, a protective measure for people in crisis to be taken to a "Place of Safety". Too often, however, these safe havens are either unavailable or inadequately equipped, leading to unnecessary distress and harm for those in need of immediate and compassionate healthcare.
The current system fails to recognise the critical role of trusted carers and family members who know the individual best, depriving them of the chance to provide love and support at the most crucial time. The absence of familiar faces and comforting words during such moments can lead to a significant setback in one's recovery and further trauma.
In the UK, over 25,000 people are detained under Section 136 every year. Out of these, alarmingly many are held in places not fit for purpose – a damning statistic that signals an urgent and systemic issue. Without swift reform, countless individuals will continue to suffer needlessly, worsening the mental health crisis we face as a nation.
We call on the UK Government and the NHS to enact immediate change by: ensuring that every individual detained under Section 136 is taken directly to a health-based, dedicated Place of Safety and is never left waiting in harmful, inappropriate conditions; and ensuring that carers and family members are allowed to stay with those in crisis, forming a vital support network during their most vulnerable times.
These are realistic and crucial steps towards a more humane and effective approach to mental health crises. By making these changes, we can protect the dignity and wellbeing of our loved ones and affirm our collective commitment to supporting mental health resilience.
Please join us in calling for compassion and reform. Sign the petition now to urge the UK Government and NHS to end delays and inhumane conditions for those in mental health crisis.
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The Issue
My son and I have been through an unimaginably painful and traumatic experience, one that escalated when he was detained under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act. While in the depths of a mental health crisis, he was subjected to lengthy delays and inhumane conditions — locked away in police vehicles and cage-like environments for hours. This only worsened his mental state, and I know we are not alone.
Section 136 is meant to be a safeguard, a protective measure for people in crisis to be taken to a "Place of Safety". Too often, however, these safe havens are either unavailable or inadequately equipped, leading to unnecessary distress and harm for those in need of immediate and compassionate healthcare.
The current system fails to recognise the critical role of trusted carers and family members who know the individual best, depriving them of the chance to provide love and support at the most crucial time. The absence of familiar faces and comforting words during such moments can lead to a significant setback in one's recovery and further trauma.
In the UK, over 25,000 people are detained under Section 136 every year. Out of these, alarmingly many are held in places not fit for purpose – a damning statistic that signals an urgent and systemic issue. Without swift reform, countless individuals will continue to suffer needlessly, worsening the mental health crisis we face as a nation.
We call on the UK Government and the NHS to enact immediate change by: ensuring that every individual detained under Section 136 is taken directly to a health-based, dedicated Place of Safety and is never left waiting in harmful, inappropriate conditions; and ensuring that carers and family members are allowed to stay with those in crisis, forming a vital support network during their most vulnerable times.
These are realistic and crucial steps towards a more humane and effective approach to mental health crises. By making these changes, we can protect the dignity and wellbeing of our loved ones and affirm our collective commitment to supporting mental health resilience.
Please join us in calling for compassion and reform. Sign the petition now to urge the UK Government and NHS to end delays and inhumane conditions for those in mental health crisis.
The Decision Makers
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Petition created on 29 August 2026