Rachel Fleming who killed her grandfather, was found to have ‘paranoid persecutory delusions’. She will now be cared for in a secure hospital – it is agonising that she is receiving the support she needs only now, too late to avoid tragedy.

5th September – International Day of Charity
Some analyses estimate that the charity sector accounts for over £15bn of GDP. But its social impact is far, far, greater – and often underappreciated because it’s so hard to measure.
To every charity and volunteer that makes society that little bit better – thank you.

10th September – World Suicide Prevention Day
Severe mental illness is a serious risk factor for suicide: people with schizophrenia spectrum disorder or bipolar disorder are 20 times more at risk than the general population. It shouldn’t have to be this way. Many people with severe mental illness lead fulfilling lives – when given the support and compassion that they need.

10th September – a coroner concluded that a 14-year-old boy who took his own life was failed by mental health authorities. This tragic case is symptomatic of institutions which STILL do not pay enough attention to mental health. When vulnerable children are dying because their mental health was neglected by health services, it’s clear something must change.

Coronavirus and mental health
During the global pandemic, mental health has received a lot of media attention as people were forced to deal with loss of loved ones, long term unemployment and isolation.

Whilst this is a great step in the right direction, those suffering with mental illnesses were still left behind. We know that we have a problem, it is time to start working towards a solution.