Government launches new mental health approach

Care services minister Phil Hope has announced the launch of ‘New Horizons’, a new Government initiative to change the way that mental health problems are perceived and treated. A consultation process will take place to help decide on the best ways to tackle the key themes of New Horizons:

• Preventing as well as treating mental health problems


• Reducing stigma and discrimination against sufferers


• Diagnosing and treating problems earlier improve outcomes


• Providing personal care based on individual needs


• Coordinating ways of working between health and social services


• Using research and technology to find new ways of tackling mental health issues


• Delivering services that offer value for money


• Improving the transition process between services for the under 18s and adult services.

One in six people will develop a mental health condition at some point in their life with up to 50% of these being preventable. The cost to the economy is estimated at £77 billion per year, not including associated factors such as unemployment and increased crime. New Horizons aims to make the promotion of good mental health an issue for the whole population. A wide range of organisations have been invited to participate in the consultation process including health services, local authorities, charities, education providers and the criminal justice system. Phil Hope comments: ‘Better mental health and well-being is vital for a healthy society. People with mental health problems are more likely to do other things that damage their health, such as have a poor diet, smoke or take drugs. So promoting good mental health is a key part of tackling many other health inequalities.’

For more information about New Horizons, or to download the consultation document and find out how you can get involved, please visit the Department of Health’s website.