Pauleen Lane

This week the government unveiled the long-awaited Mental Health Bill, a momentous shift in the ongoing battle to reform the outdated Mental Health Act. This is something I have championed for years, and for Blackpool, it could not have come sooner. We have waited far too long for change. For years, we’ve watched as the Mental Health Act has failed to evolve with our growing understanding of mental health. Too many people, especially in Blackpool, have been forced to navigate a system that offers them no dignity, no voice, and too often, no care at all when they need it most. It has been a system that has left too many behind, unable to get the help they deserve at their most vulnerable moments. The Mental Health Act will always be necessary, as it ensures the safety of individuals when they are at risk of harming themselves or others. But it’s clear the current system is no longer fit for purpose. This Bill ensures that the system is fit for the 21st century – prioritising dignity, individual rights, and the critical role that families and carers play in recovery. For Blackpool, and for communities up and down the country, these reforms represent a real opportunity to change the way we think about mental health and the way we care for those who need it most. The work doesn’t stop here, but this Bill is a step in the right direction – towards a mental health system that is fairer, more compassionate, and more effective for everyone. It’s crucial that we keep pushing for the changes that people in Blackpool, and beyond, so desperately need. This Bill is part of that ongoing work, and I’m proud to stand behind it.