06 January 2006
Public sector managers have been urged to make a New Year's resolution to work towards a better future for mental health, one in which services are better integrated and people are supported in the workplace.
A joint report from the Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health, the Local Government Association, the NHS Confederation and the Association of Directors of Social Services describes a 'radical but realistic' agenda for the future of mental health care.
The January 3 report, The future of mental health: a vision for 2015, says by that year mental wellbeing should be promoted in all schools, while 'talking therapies', such as counselling, should be available as a matter of routine.
People with severe mental health conditions should have their own budgets to commission the services they want, including a range of alternatives to hospital admission.
Sainsbury Centre chief executive Angela Greatley said: 'On this first working day of 2006, we want public services to make a resolution to work towards this vision of what life could be like ten years from now.
'By investing in good mental health, and offering people who experience mental distress a better service, the £77bn annual cost to society can be reduced and some of our nation's starkest inequalities can be redressed.'
LGA mental health spokesman David Rogers added: 'Up to one in four of us will suffer from mental health problems at some point in our lives. It is vital that we challenge the stigma surrounding this issue and create a climate that encourages tolerance, understanding and timely treatment.'
PFjan2006
