A City Hall event in London has highlighted mental health among the LGBT community.
Research shows that gay and bisexual men are four times more likely than the rest of the population to commit suicide – and LGBT people are 50% more likely to develop depression and anxiety, compared with the rest of the population.
The London Assembly Health Committee investigation into LGBT mental health found that LGBT people continue to report stigma and discrimination when trying to access mental health support.
“Ongoing and pervasive messaging hurts us… we hear the damaging message that our lives are smaller, sadder and shorter than our straight, cisgender peers,” said the committee’s report.
Cisgender describes people who identify with the sex they were at birth.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s election manifesto pledged to lead a campaign to break down the stigma of mental illness – particularly among LGBT people and young Black Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) men; as well as coordinating efforts to reduce the number of people who take their own lives and expand best practice in crisis care support.
The London Mayor also pledged to promote acceptance of gender diversity –
and work with the LGBT community, schools, the Metropolitan Police and other bodies, to highlight and challenge transphobia.
The event on 25 October looked at how the Mayor would deliver on his promises to support better mental health outcomes for LGBT people in London – as well as how he could use his power to reduce this major health inequality.
Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors
Duncan Lewis is the UK’s largest provider of Legal Aid mental health services and can advise mental health patients on a wide range of issues – including access to NHS mental health services and detention under the Mental Health Act.
Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors regularly visit NHS hospitals to advise on mental health law – and are available across England and Wales at short notice for hospital and police station appointments.
In some cases, Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors may be able to advise the nearest relative or carer of a mental health patient on a range of issues, including initiating treatment reviews where appropriate.
For expert legal advice on mental health law, call the Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors Helpline on 020 3114 1124.