I am one among many who struggle daily with mental health issues. Diagnosed with two conditions in 2020, I was denied support by the NHS for being too 'high risk'. This personal experience underscores a universal truth - our mental health system is not fit for purpose. Sick notes, issued by GPs, are often the only lifeline for people like me when we need it most.

Now, Rishi Sunak proposes to end this vital service. His plan to stop ‘sick notes’ from GPs for those of us in mental health distress is a direct threat to our wellbeing. It's not just about those of us already diagnosed; it affects everyone who might need that support in the future.

Not only this, but denying GPs the ability to produce sick notes for those who need it most completely undermines the capabilities and professional responsibilities of GPs. His argument that mental health professionals would now have to sign off those feeling mentally unwell is unrealistic and reflects his lack of understanding and knowledge of the crisis surrounding current UK mental health services. Mental health services in the UK are already under extreme pressure, with long waiting lists. The likelihood of someone getting signed off work in time before a steep mental health decline is unlikely, and therefore another person may take their own life, or be added to another NHS mental health waiting list for mental health support.

According to Mind.org.uk, approximately 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year (source: Mind.org.uk). These figures highlight how crucial it is that we maintain all existing forms of support and continue to seek improvements rather than reductions.

We must stand against this proposal and protect what little aid we have left. We cannot allow our government's cost-cutting measures to endanger our lives further. We urge you to join us in telling Rishi Sunak that his plan is unacceptable and detrimental to us all.

Please let me be clear. This is not a petition against our strained, underpaid and undervalued NHS. This is a petition against a prime minister who is either unable, or refuses, to see the realistic challenges the country faces. A rise of mental health difficulties in the UK needs to be reviewed and measures put in place to support people, NOT remove the only lifeline some people feel they have. This prime minister is not seeing or understanding the people he supposedly serves.

Please sign this petition today and let your voice be heard on behalf of those struggling with their mental health every day.