‘Can’t come soon enough’: Black man who was sectioned responds to Mental Health Act reforms REFORM: Proposed changes to the Mental Health Act derive from a independent 2018 review (Image: via Getty Images) THE MENTAL Health Act is to undergo landmark reforms in an effort to tackle the inequalities faced by black, Asian and minority ethnic individuals. The announcement follows new data by NHS England which reported that black people are more than four times more likely to be detained under the act, and more than 10 times more likely to be subject to a community treatment order. 23-year-old Tom*, from London, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder eight years ago and believes that the changes to the act can’t come soon enough.