The current treatment of those with mental illness is under the spotlight at the University of Birmingham tonight, when rabbi, author and former health think-tank leader Baroness Neuberger DBE, gives a public lecture.

Baroness Neuberger DBE, author of ‘The Moral State We’re In’, and Spokesperson on Health for the Liberal Democrats, delivers the 3rd Chaplaincy Lecture at the University at 5.15pm.  The lecture, entitled ‘The Moral State We’re In; How we treat people with mental illness’, will focus particularly on the current treatment of those with a mental illness and how the situation could potentially be improved.

Baroness Neuberger became a rabbi in 1977 and served the South London Liberal Synagogue for 12 years before going on to the King’s Fund Institute to work on research ethics committees in the UK.  She then became a fellow at Harvard Medical School before returning to the UK as Chairman of Camden & Islington Community Health Services NHS Trust in 1993.  Baroness Neuberger went on to become Chief Executive of the King’s Fund until 2004.  She is the author of several books on Judaism, women, healthcare ethics and on caring for dying people.

By creating the Chaplaincy lecture, the University has been able to invite prominent speakers of different faiths who, over the years, will represent the range of faith traditions represented in the chaplaincy itself.

The lecture takes place at 5.15pm in the Avon Room, University Centre.  Members of the public are welcome to attend this free event.