Mind chief says mental health groups have avoided discussing violence risk

Mental health organisations have not been open enough about the risk of violence from a small minority of people with severe mental illnesses, according to Mind chief executive Sarah Hughes. She made the remarks ahead of the closing stages of the inquiry into the Nottingham attacks.

Hughes said charities had tended to avoid the subject because they feared it would deepen stigma and harassment directed at people with mental health conditions. She has led Mind for four years and has worked in the sector for nearly four decades.

Her comments come as the inquiry into the Nottingham attacks nears its conclusion. The issue has long been sensitive within mental health services because of concerns about how discussion of risk can affect public attitudes toward patients.

The inquiry's closure is expected to renew debate over how mental health organisations balance public safety with efforts to reduce discrimination.