Mental Health Discrimination Grievance Letter Template & Generator

If you need to formal grievance about disability discrimination related to a mental health condition, a written letter is the recommended first step — it creates a clear record and shows you're pursuing the matter formally. Below is what a strong mental health discrimination grievance should include, plus a free tool to generate yours.

What this letter needs to cover

• State it is a formal grievance under the Equality Act 2010
• Describe the discriminatory treatment with dates
• Confirm the mental health condition amounts to a disability under the Act
• Set out how the treatment constitutes discrimination
• Request a formal grievance meeting and confirmation of right to be accompanied

When mental health treatment crosses into discrimination

If you're treated unfavourably because of a mental health condition that meets the legal definition of disability, this is disability discrimination under the Equality Act 2010 — this includes being overlooked for opportunities, subjected to unfair capability processes without proper adjustment, or facing negative comments connected to your condition.

What to include before you send it

• Confirmation of your condition and why it meets the definition of disability
• A clear, factual account of the treatment you've experienced
• Why you believe this treatment is connected to your condition
• What outcome you're seeking

Discrimination arising from disability — a specific, relevant concept here

Beyond direct discrimination, there's also "discrimination arising from disability" — unfavourable treatment because of something connected to your disability (like absence caused by your condition), rather than the disability itself. This is often particularly relevant to mental health situations, where absence or reduced performance may stem directly from the condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my employer says they didn't know my condition counted as a disability?
If they were aware of your condition and its effects, or could reasonably have been expected to know, this doesn't necessarily excuse a failure to make adjustments or avoid discriminatory treatment.

Can absence related to my mental health be used against me in a formal process?
Using disability-related absence in the same way as ordinary absence, without proper adjustment, can itself amount to discrimination arising from disability.

See our full letter template & generator library for related letters, or use our free checkers for guidance specific to your situation.