The Department of Health looks set to tackle negative perceptions of mental illness by introducing a new strategy called New Horizons.
The strategy will promote good mental health and well-being, whilst improving services for people who have mental health problems.
Around one in four people will suffer from a form of mental illness at some point in their lives, with one sixth of the population suffering from a common mental health problem at any time.
Services that are already in place such as mother and toddler groups, which aren’t usually considered mental health services, willl be promoted as support mechanisms for sufferers.
Also available will be inner-city sports projects which promote team work, self-respect and physical health, older people’s lunch clubs, and community arts projects, as there is evidence that improving the built environment is good for mental health and well-being.
Simon Lawton-Smith, Head of Policy at the Mental Health Foundation, said:?”We strongly support this new focus on whole population mental health. Mental ill health is one of the biggest challenges currently facing the UK. Good mental health should be an achievable goal for everyone and mental health promotion needs to take its rightful place at the centre of public health efforts.
“A strategy that encourages people to protect themselves against mental illnesses like depression and anxiety will be of immense benefit. Mental ill health not only causes untold personal suffering and distress, but also affects people’s relationships, ability to work, family life. It can lead to a range of physical health problems.”
