THE Government's decision to drop its much-opposed draft Mental Health Bill is to be welcomed, and represents a victory for the many groups who expressed their concerns with the proposals.

However, the Department of Health's new plan to amend the existing 1983 Mental Health Act looks to introduce much of its discredited agenda through the back door and fails to introduce a number of vital improvements.

For example, there will be no right to independent advocacy to ensure people can express their health care wishes. The loss of this important safeguard could have significant ramifications, possibly making people even more reluctant to come forward for support and treatment if they think they won't have access to advocates.

Simply introducing a number of limited amendments to the Act is not the root-and-branch reform that was promised and in many ways is a backwards step.

These are only amendments to an Act that is 23 years old, and there are no plans to introduce modern principles and concepts to it. Again, an opportunity for mental health legislation to be about quality health care and providing therapeutic benefits is lost.

Further information is available on 020-7061 3458 for those wanting to help in getting mental health legislation that provides support and safeguards for those with experience of mental distress and their carers.

Gil Hitchon,

Chief executive,

Together Working for Wellbeing, Lincoln House,

High Holborn, London.

Updated: 10:19 Wednesday, May 24, 2006