NHS Confederation - West Midlands mental health action plan is 'unprecedented'

1 Feb 2017 06:48 PM

Sean Duggan, chief executive of the Mental Health Network, responded to West Midlands Combined Authority's launch of its Thrive West Midlands cooperative action plan on mental health

“This plan is an unprecedented example of a region unifying very different services to improve mental health. With so many partners supporting it, and a clear plan of action, this will be an essential test case for how other regions might also innovate and join-up services.

“The best available evidence supports the idea that changes in housing, schooling and other areas can radically benefit mental health – especially if they are well integrated with other services. Major pressure on mental health services has been an obstacle to change and it’s critical that the Government helps them receive long-promised funding.

“We look forward to working with this project and sharing its learnings with mental health services across the country.”

Their report is available on the West Midlands Combined Authority website.