Commenting on the Building communities that care report from Rethink Mental Illness, George McNamara, Director of Policy and Influencing at Independent Age, said:
“The report highlights the multiple challenges faced by people with mental illness, including struggles in accessing suitable housing, issues of loneliness and social isolation, and the limits imposed by debt and poor health. Older people are as likely to experience mental illness as any other age group, and we know that older people are often forgotten in this space, with ageist attitudes excluding older people from accessing appropriate support.
"We all have a part to play in reducing stigma around mental health and supporting older people to seek help. We want to see older people feature in the national conversation on mental health, especially around reducing stigma and improving access to support. We are committed to helping older people live more independent, connected lives, and we support Rethink Mental Illness’ call to care for the most vulnerable in our communities.”