A framework for
developing well-being by adopting a broad-based public health
approach to maintaining good mental health was launched today by
Care Services Minister Phil Hope.
The ‘Confident Communities, Brighter Futures’ report
offers a systematic evidence base from which local authorities and
the NHS can act to reduce inequalities and improve mental health
in their areas.
The report brings together for the first time the key evidence,
and aims to raise the profile of public mental health within
organisations and across communities. By encouraging the inclusion
of mental well-being in joint strategic needs assessments, it
strongly supports the case for how they link to commissioning
priorities in local area agreements.
Eleven per cent of the NHS annual budget is spent on mental
health services. And recent estimates put the wider economic costs
at around £110 billion UK-wide.
Mental health problems are linked to a range of wider problems,
poor physical health, poor educational achievement, sickness
absence, and even crime. Half of all mental illness starts by age
14 but by ensuring a positive start in life up to a half of these
are preventable.
The report highlights early intervention and prevention through
programmes such as psychological therapies, healthy workplaces and
initiatives to reduce workplace stress, as well as education and
lifelong learning to promote well-being and resilience.
Care Services Minister Phil Hope said:
“Mental illness accounts for more than 20 per cent of the total
burden of disease in the UK, more than cardiovascular disease and
cancer.
“If we act early on in people’s lives we can influence their life
course and reduce the inequalities they face. It can help people
realise their potential, cope with adversity, hold down a job and
contribute to building stronger communities.
“It is everyone’s business – local authorities, the NHS,
communities and individuals all have a role to play in preventing
poor mental health.
“Many local authorities already do these things, but may not be
aware of the related mental health benefits, which can also help
save money in the long run.”
Notes to Editors
For further information contact the Department of Health press
office on 020 7210 5221.
A copy of the report is available at: www.dh.gov.uk/newhorizons
New Horizons: a shared vision for mental health
(DH, December 2009) is a cross-government programme of action
with the twin aims to improve the mental health and well-being of
the population, and to improve the quality and accessibility of
services for people with poor mental health. It is an ambitious
programme that puts a significant focus on promoting public mental
health and the prevention of mental ill health, alongside earlier
intervention in proven treatment methods for those who need it.
Further information about New Horizons is available at
www.dh.gov.uk/newhorizons
Contacts:
Department of Health
Phone: 020 7210 5221
NDS.DH@coi.gsi.gov.uk