Mental Health Policy Group

The MHPG is a coalition of six national organisations working together to improve mental health.

The Mental Health Policy Group (MHPG) is an informal coalition of six national organisations working together to improve mental health through policy influencing activities at national level.  The group is made up of:

  • Centre for Mental Health
  • Mental Health Foundation
  • NHS Confederation’s Mental Health Network
  • Mind
  • Rethink Mental Illness
  • Royal College of Psychiatrists

We represent providers, commissioners, professionals and hundreds of thousands of people who use mental health services, and advocate for cross-government approaches to improve services and support early intervention and the prevention of mental health problems – though we do not claim to represent the entirety of the mental health sector.

We regularly provide written representations on government policy, including relevant legislation and meet with stakeholders at both chief executive and policy lead level, across government, opposition, NHS and arm's-length bodies to share intelligence and offer support and challenge.

The group is chaired by each organisation on a six-month rotational basis with support from a secretariat provided by Mind. For more information about the group please contact Emma Paveley.

Publications

A seated elderly patient resting her hands on a handbag.

The Economic and Social Costs of Mental Ill Health

Our groundbreaking report with Centre for Mental Health and the London School of Economics.

Bird's eye view of the Houses of Parliament.

Manifesto for a Mentally Healthier Nation

Manifesto for a mentally healthier nation calls on all political parties to commit to a ten-year, cross-government plan for mental health.

Billboard displaying the message 'community is strength'
Report

A Mentally Healthier Nation

In this new report, supported by over 30 mental health organisations, including ourselves, we’re calling for action on mental health with a focus on prevention, equality, and support.

The Houses of Parliament viewed from across the River Thames.
Article

MHPG letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer

The Mental Health Policy Group, plus some of our wider sector partners, have written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer ahead of 17 November budget.

1 November 2022
The Houses of Parliament viewed from across the River Thames.
Briefing

Mental Health Policy Group’s manifesto for a new Prime Minister 2022

The Mental Health Policy Group has set out key areas of action for the new Prime Minister

1 September 2022
Now or never report cover
Report

Now or never

A report for policy makers identifying the systemic challenges facing the mental health sector, and offering solutions and practical cost savings.

29 July 2021
A crowded street viewed from above.
Briefing

MHPG Mental Health Winter Support Package

Government urged to implement a support package to make sure people with severe mental health problems are adequately protected in the coming months.

10 November 2020
A concerned woman looks out of a window.
Report

Towards equality for mental health

The Mental Health Policy Group report looking at developing a cross-governmental approach to parity of esteem.

18 August 2019
A crowded street.
Report

Improving England's mental health

A plan for what the Government must do the first 100 days of the new Parliament to improve the lives of people with mental health problems.

29 May 2015
A woman in counselling, smiling.
Briefing

A manifesto for better mental health

This manifesto sets out four specific areas where significant improvement is still needed.

1 May 2017
A man in counselling, talking.
Report

Towards mental health equality

Five areas that the next Prime Minister must address in order to improve the lives of people with mental health problems.

8 July 2019

Submissions

A crowded street viewed from above.
Consultation response

Mental Health Policy Group submission to the Mental Health and Wellbeing Plan call for evidence

The Mental Health Policy Group's formal response to the government's call for evidence on its ten-year plan.

25 August 2022
A pound coin on its edge.
Consultation response

Mental Health Policy Group Comprehensive Spending Review Submission

The Mental Health Policy Group has set out to government the investment needed for mental health ahead of the Comprehensive Spending Review.

24 September 2020