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Mental health charity says prevention is a key strategy in mental health care (29 February 2016)

Date: 29/02/2016
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, Mental health charity says prevention is a key strategy in mental health care

The Mental Health Foundation has responded to the government’s Mental Health Taskforce Report, saying that the emphasis on preventing mental health conditions is a “pivotal moment”.

The report was published earlier in February and includes recommendations for improving mental healthcare for pregnant women and more access to mental health services for children, which have been widely welcomed.

Under the proposed changes, 30,000 more women every year will receive perinatal mental health support – and 70,000 more children and young people will receive mental health care when they need it.

In recent years, there have been moves to improve access to mental health care for children and young adults, including not detaining them in police cells – unless absolutely necessary and for their own safety.

Detaining children on adult mental health wards will also be phased out completely, unless there is no other bed available.

Health experts say detaining children with mental health conditions on adult wards can be traumatic – and they may also witness behaviour in adult patients they find distressing.

Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation, Jenny Edwards CBE, says:

“The publication of The Five Year Forward View for Mental Health by NHS England is a pivotal moment in the fight for a mentally healthier nation.

“The Mental Health Foundation has been calling for a greater focus on prevention – and we are delighted that this is clearly reflected in the report.

“Prevention was the key priority to come out of the public engagement consultation that fed into the report – we specifically welcome the creation of a Prevention Concordat to drive forward change and the increased emphasis on strategic leadership by people with lived experience of mental health problems.

“We unequivocally endorse the Taskforce report when it states that ‘prevention matters – it’s the only way that change can be achieved’,” she added.

“Beyond the economic cost of £105 billion a year, poor mental health is destroying lives.

“The report, if acted on, provides a once in a generation opportunity to achieve this.”

“The Mental Health Foundation looks forward to working with other charities and the leading public bodies, including the NHS and Public Health England, to deliver real change.”

Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors

Duncan Lewis is the UK’s largest provider of Legal Aid mental health services and can advise mental health patients on a wide range of issues – including access to NHS mental health services and detention under the Mental Health Act.

Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors regularly visit NHS hospitals and police stations to advise on mental health law – and are available nationwide at short notice for hospital and police station appointments.

In some cases, Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors may be able to advise the nearest relative or carer of a mental health patient on a range of issues, including initiating treatment reviews where appropriate.

For expert legal advice on mental health law, call the Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors Helpline on 0333 772 0409.

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