WIREDGOV

Improving mental health and wellbeing

Following publication last February of the Government's mental health strategy, No health without mental health, the mental health strategy implementation framework, launched today (24 July), sets out what organisations can do to make the six high-level objectives of the strategy a reality.

Focussed on action at local level, the framework highlights useful guidance and sources of information to help local organisations use their existing powers and resources to improve mental health and wellbeing.

Involving all players in delivery of change

The framework was co-produced with five leading mental health organisations, including the NHS Confederation's Mental Health Network (MHN) and Centre for Mental Health, Mind, Rethink Mental Illness and Turning Point.

Commenting on the framework, Paddy Cooney, MHN interim director, said: "Mental ill health affects everybody, which is why the only way to make improvements in mental health services is to involve everybody who will play a part in delivering the radical step-change required.

Central in developing framework

"We are proud that the NHS Confederation's Mental Health Network has been central in developing this Implementation Framework, which helps define the route we should be taking, step-by-step, to improve mental health services, including providing the best quality care for all individuals who are touched by mental ill health.

Route of improvement

He added: "The dashboard will give mental health service providers an at-a-glance guide to the progress they are making along the route of improvement. The Mental Health Network will be working closely with the Department of Health to ensure the dashboard's measures give maximum help to service providers and help them make improvements which are important to service users."

Promoting good mental health

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and Care Services Minister Paul Burstow will call on employers to take three simple steps to improve the mental health of their staff.

The framework sets out what employers, schools, businesses, local authorities, housing organisations, voluntary groups and health and care organisations can do to promote good mental health, whether it's clinical commissioning groups appointing mental health leads, schools developing awareness programmes to help staff recognise pupils at risk, or employers supporting the mental health of their workforce.

Further information

To accompany the launch of the framework, the Mental Health Network has produced a supporting briefing which provides an overview of the framework focusing on the areas that are most relevant to providers of NHS mental health services. Download the briefing.

A summary of the strategy's six objectives is also available to donwload on our publications page, which also describes how progress will be measured.