I've spent the past several years fighting my fears but desperately attempting to show that I can fight. To fight for a change, and to battle the intentions that are trying to control me.

The fight for access to timely mental health treatment is one that I've been losing for around 10yrs, as the system seems intent on keeping me suffering interminably.  This year alone receiving 8 letters of refusal.  Despite my severe struggles with Emotional Uncontrollable Personality Disorder, PTSD, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Osteoarthritis, Bursitis, Carpal Tunnel syndrome, Clinical depression, Chronic anxiety (Seasonal & Social) SAD, Autism and many complex medical conditions and side effects that have kept me reliant on medication.

This isn't just my story, though. It's shared by countless individuals across the UK who are forced to wait far too long to receive the care they desperately need.  Becoming victims of Healthcare Victimisation, offering different levels of care and support.  

According to the NHS, mental health treatment waiting times can stretch anywhere from weeks to months, well beyond the supposed 'required time'. This delay is not just an inconvenience but a danger, contributing to the worstening deterioration of conditions and, in some cases, leading to tragic outcomes. As someone who's endured over 30 years of clinical depression, chronic anxiety, and stress-related side effects, I know how devastating these delays can be. Just in my local area alone there have been several suicides relating to Mental Health waiting times  struggles. 

In the UK, mental health affects 1 in 4 people each year, now including children of all ages, a statistic from Mind that underscores the urgent need for change. Yet, the current system is not equipped with sufficiently trained staff or resources to handle the load. The lack of trained professionals exacerbates wait times and contributes to patients being turned away if the issue is anything more than depression, anxiety or stress related mental health problems which need attention. Training more staff in mental health care is not just a necessity but a moral imperative.

 I was a Volunteer worker between 1999-2020, working with some wonderful people & companies to better myself & my future, I gained many certificates for little courses that I took part in, as well as a level 1 & 2 in Customer Service from Accrington college. The continuation of these courses available to Volunteer workers is of upmost importance.

I call on the current Minister of Mental Health to enact legislation ensuring that no one waits longer than the required time for mental health treatment, and that nobody is refused necessary care. It is crucial we invest in training for more professionals in these critical sectors.

Together, we can prompt a systematic change that will bring hope back to millions of people suffering in silence.

Sign this petition to make our voices heard, to stand up for fair, timely, and adequate mental health care for everyone across the UK. It’s time we prioritize mental health and ensure that no one faces this battle alone.