Mental Health Implementation Framework

Mental Health Implementation Framework

By Liz Lockhart

This week we have seen the Government publish the mental health implementation framework. Compiled with leading charities, the framework clearly shows how organisations can put into practice objectives of the mental health strategy ‘No Health without Mental Health’.

The aim of this framework is to help local organisations, large and small, to promote good mental health and wellbeing. It will also provide a measure of how the strategy itself is working, and give a picture of progress.

With mental illness costing the economy an estimated £105 billion per annum, the framework highlights ways in which businesses can help improve the mental health of their employees. 

As well as the strategies that will help employers take better care of the wellbeing of staff, the framework guides schools, colleges, social services, criminal justice organisations, employment support providers, community groups, local authorities, and health boards, among others. It clearly indicates ways all organisations can improve the mental health of those they work with and support.

The framework also explains the government action being taken to ensure these objectives are put into practice.

In response, Dr Andrew McCulloch, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation says ‘It’s good to have this framework. It will play a key role in ensuring that the Government’s commitment to parity of esteem between physical and mental health becomes a reality at a local level.’

Dr McCulloch adds ‘We particularly welcome the commitment to mental health research, a crucial aspect of developing and improving more effective mental health care. At present, this care is not always what it should be, despite increasing demand, partly because of a chronic lack of funds and focus in mental health research.  Mental illness forms the largest proportion of disease burden in the UK, with an estimated cost to society of £105 billion. Only with more and better research can we hope to address this burden.’

It does certainly appear that times are changing, when and how that translates to the lives of people seeking help, needing care, and who are increasingly finding themselves without adequate benefit or support, only time will tell.