Government plans aimed at modernising decades-old mental health laws have been welcomed by industry expert Carecoins.

It was announced last week that new legislation would introduce additional rights for those receiving treatment for their mental health and that police cells would no longer be used to detain individuals as “a place of safety”.

These changes have been well received by Nathan Shearman, director of therapy and training at Carecoins, who believes the focus now must turn to creating dedicated safe spaces.

He said: “The news that mental health legislation is to be updated is both welcome and long overdue.

“The guidelines for treatment of someone suffering a suspected mental health condition, drawn up in the Mental Health Act 1983, have been based on a long outdated understanding of mental health and how it affects someone.

“No police cell can ever be a place of safety for someone with a mental health condition, and their use has added to the stigma around mental health, as well as increasing feelings of shame, confusion, or mistrust in professional services that might already exist within a person.

“The changes are a positive step in the right direction, especially banning the use of police cells, and it is now important that investment is made into creating safe spaces.

“When someone is in crisis with their mental health, their environment can be just as important as the people around them. Having spaces that are calming, comforting, and free from negative associations helps create a sense of safety and security that is vital to coming out of a crisis.

“Hospital wards can have the same negative associations, plus they are often places of stress, so having dedicated places of safety with trained professionals to replace the use of police cells is essential.”

Shearman was pleased to learn that new rights will be introduced for those receiving treatment and added that a more personal approach to a mental health journey can aid an individual’s recovery.

He explained: “Our experience at Carecoins is that people recover quicker and to a better state of recovery when they are given a choice over their mental health journey.

“Therefore, it is encouraging to hear that those suffering from a mental illness will be given more of a say and more rights in their treatment, including being able to nominate someone to advocate for them.

“Mental health patients do not currently enjoy the same freedoms as physical health patients; when it comes to our physical health, we often have choices, including the right to refuse treatment, which those with mental illness aren’t always afforded.

“This change in legislation should start to address these inequalities, giving people greater autonomy over their mental health journey.

“We’re all unique individuals and our journey is a very personal one, so increasing the range of options available can only be a positive thing.

“While this step is positive, more needs to be done to make effective, personalised support accessible to those who need it.”