Tackling physical health inequalities faced by people with severe mental illness

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November 2024
Shizana Arshad

Shizana Arshad

Network Lead

Dear friend,

This month we’ve shared important new research setting out the latest data on mental health in the UK. Our map tool ([link removed]) allows you to explore rates of mental health difficulties among children and young people across UK nations and local areas, revealing stark disparities.

We also supported Mind to produce their big mental health report ([link removed]) , which makes it clear that rising levels of mental distress require urgent action to address the root causes of worsening wellbeing.

As Lead for Equally Well UK ([link removed]) , a campaign hosted by the Centre, it’s been a busy month working to tackle the inequalities in physical health faced by people living with severe mental illness. On World Diabetes Day, we raised awareness of the startling fact that diabetes is 2-3 times more prevalent in people living with severe mental illness. We’ve recently kickstarted work around a risk calculator for physical health conditions, including diabetes, for people who’ve experienced psychosis. We’re looking for people with this lived experience to join an advisory group and inform this work - find out more ([link removed]) .
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The big mental health report 2024

We worked with Mind to produce this report which brings together the latest evidence on the current state of the nation’s mental health and its mental health services, alongside insights from people with lived experience of mental health difficulties.

It also looks at the mental health impact of financial insecurity, stigma, discrimination, and the experiences of people living with severe mental illness.
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Mapping the mental health of the UK’s young people

Our map tool draws from the latest data to show prevalence of mental health difficulties across the UK, including rates of eating disorders and self-harm, hospital admissions and secondary care referrals, and wider factors such as loneliness, school absence and bullying.

It reveals stark disparities in children’s mental health across the four nations of the UK and between local areas.
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Help us continue to produce groundbreaking research ([link removed])
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Equally Well

Poor physical health is the main driver of the mortality gap which puts people with severe mental illness at risk of dying 15-20 years earlier on average than the general population. Working to eradicate this gap is a crucial focus in the fight to end mental health injustice.

Equally Well ([link removed]) has recently kickstarted work around an important piece of research seeking to refine and implement a risk calculator for physical health conditions among people who have experienced psychosis. The calculator will identify early signs of diabetes and heart disease among other conditions, to enable earlier intervention. As part of this work, they are offering ([link removed]) people with lived experience of psychosis the opportunity to be part of a 5 year Fellowship Advisory Group - find out more ([link removed]) .
Find out more about Equally Well’s work ([link removed])
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Towards dignity and choice: key reforms in the Mental Health Bill 2025 ([link removed])

by Kadra Abdinasir and Andy Bell
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We’re equipping services and decision makers nationwide to meet people’s needs and reduce mental health inequalities.

We work with partners to understand local and national mental health needs ([link removed]) . Our evaluations ([link removed]) and peer-led research ([link removed]) help uncover and understand what works to address health inequalities. Our unrivalled expertise in mental health policy ([link removed]) and economic analysis ([link removed]) , and wealth of experience supporting health systems ([link removed]) , make us a trusted authority on how to drive lasting change.

We can work with your integrated care system, local authority, or mental health service to build understanding of good practice and realise better mental health for all.
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* Coalition representing young voices calls on the Prime Minister to take racism seriously ([link removed])
* Stark disparities exist in children and young people’s mental health across UK, a new data map has revealed ([link removed])

If you’ve enjoyed reading this newsletter, please consider making a donation towards our work. We can’t continue the fight for equality in mental health without your support.
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Leaving X doesn’t mean losing touch. You can find us on all the social platforms below. And, of course, you’ll continue to receive all the latest in our newsletter!
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