Words That Carry On is a fund dedicated to investing in mental health research. It has been set up in memory of Lindsay Riddoch, an ardent advocate for better mental health services who was intent on ensuring that people who lived with mental health problems had their voices heard.

We are working with the McPin Foundation, a registered charity, which is experienced in carrying out research that puts people with lived experience of mental health problems at the centre of the process. Together we engage people with a personal interest, clinicians and professionals to define the scope of research, ensure it is relevant and has a positive impact on improving experiences of mental health care.

Every penny we raise goes to a fund hosted by the McPin Foundation, which contributes expertise and administrative support. We share updates with our donors on how their money is being spent and any research findings through our newsletter. Join our mailing list here.

People’s lived experience of autism, of being diagnosed with personality disorders or complex mental health, is at the heart of what we do. It should be at the heart of research and and in attempts to improve support for service users. 

Words That Carry On Vision 

To fund vital research on personality disorders, autism and complex mental health needs to help people live happy, healthy lives.

Words That Carry On Mission Statement

Lindsay campaigned on personality disorders, autism and complex mental health needs because she lived and died with them. Our aim is to identify effective ways of helping those with similar problems.

We will:

• commission much needed research on personality disorders, autism and complex mental health needs
• ensure the research is founded upon the needs of people living with personality disorders, autism and complex mental health needs
• increase understanding
• promote better responses, treatments and outcomes
• advocate and lobby for policy and practice changes to help more people live happy, healthy lives

We are working with the McPin Foundation, a registered charity which is experienced in conducting research that puts people with lived experience of mental health problems at the heart of the process. Together we engage individuals with lived experience, clinicians and professionals to refine the scope of research, ensure it is relevant and has a positive impact on improving experiences of mental health care.

Mental Health Act England and Wales: UK Government Consultation

As part of its review of the Mental Health Act England and Wales (MHA) the UK government published a “White Paper” in January 2021, containing its proposals for legislative changes.

The White Paper responds among other things to “The Wessely Review” which was called to investigate the rising number of detentions and disproportionate detentions under the Mental Health Act of people from black and minority backgrounds. The remit of the review required that it look at “processes that are out of step with a modern mental health care system”.

WTCO responded to the consultation stressing the need for full recognition and use of lived experience expertise in research, policy and practice and emphasising the need to fully fund mental health and social care provision in the UK.

You can read WTCO’s full response here: