Mental health groups have ‘failed to acknowledge’ risk of violence, says Mind chief

Mental health organisations have ‘failed to acknowledge’ the risk of violence from a minority of people with severe mental illnesses, the chief executive of Mind, Dr Sarah Hughes, has said ahead of the closure of the inquiry into the Nottingham attacks. Hughes, who has led mental health charity Mind for four years and worked in the sector for nearly four decades, stated that charities shied away from addressing this risk due to fears it would increase stigma and harassment around people with mental health conditions. The inquiry into the Nottingham attacks, which occurred on 13 June 2023, examined the events leading to the deaths of Barnaby Webber, Grace O’Malley-Kumar, and Ian Coates, all fatally stabbed by Valdo Calocane, who was later diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia.

In 2024, Calocane was sentenced to an indefinite hospital order for three counts of manslaughter and three counts of attempted murder, admitting diminished responsibility. The inquiry gathered evidence from local authorities, health professionals, police officers, and Calocane’s family to assess the factors contributing to the killings. It revealed that Calocane had a history of violent incidents, repeatedly refused medication, and was sectioned four times in two years.

During testimony, Calocane’s mother described the mental health system as ‘broken.’ Hughes emphasized that mental health charities must become more comfortable discussing the risk of violence from a minority of individuals with mental health conditions. She noted that the sector has historically framed violence as rare, but acknowledged that it does occur and has grave consequences. Emma Webber, whose son Barnaby was killed by Calocane, welcomed Hughes’ statement, saying there had been insufficient acknowledgment of the risk from mental health organizations.

Seena Fazel, a professor of forensic psychiatry at the University of Oxford, confirmed that a minority of people with schizophrenia commit violent acts, with risk increasing when combined with drug or alcohol problems, a history of violence, or past victimization. Hughes also highlighted the fear within the sector of increasing stigma, which could lead to more restrictive approaches. She argued that open conversations are necessary to balance patient and public safety.

Mind is developing a mental health strategy that includes better support, treatment, and public safety measures, such as adequate hospital beds and assertive outreach.

Source: The Guardian