The Department of Health and Social Care has launched a call for evidence for best practice for its new mental health strategy.
It is intended to inform a new strategic cross-government approach to mental health under the government’s 10 Year Health Plan for England.
It welcomes examples of good practice, from across the UK and internationally. These can be from employers and workplaces, mental health and wider health services, local government, education and training settings, and community settings.
Frontline workers, clinicians and mental health experts are being invited to share their views, along with service providers and those who have direct experience of service provision.
The strategy will drive a shift towards prevention, treating people earlier and faster, and supporting those with mental health conditions to stay active in education, work, family life and their communities.
The call for evidence will remain open for eight weeks and close on 10 July.
Baroness Merron, Minister for Mental Health, said: “This government believes that mental health should be treated with the same seriousness as physical health, yet too many people across the country are struggling to get the support they need, when they need it.
“This strategy will give mental health the attention it deserves and set us on a new direction, one that focuses on earlier help, faster access and a whole-system approach. We want to hear from everyone with a stake in getting this right, including frontline clinicians, service providers, and people with lived experience of mental health conditions, so that we can build a system that truly works for everyone.”
Paul Schreier, chief executive officer at Simplyhealth, added: “The upcoming Mental Health Strategy will be key to improving outcomes across the nation, driving down workplace absence, and boosting productivity. Employers are crucial partners in meeting this challenge, and in supporting the shift from crisis intervention to preventative care. As a Vanguard organisation, contributing to the Keep Britain Working review, we are committed to empowering employers to get this right.
“By improving access to workplace health provision, among other important interventions such as improved line manager training, employees will get the support they need, when they need it. We welcome the government’s continued prioritisation of the mental health crisis in the UK. There is no other option than to transform the wellbeing of the nation, leading to a healthier, happier, more productive workforce.”
