A new vision for mental health

From the Future Vision Coalition (United Kingdom):

Cabinet champion needed for better mental health for all, says new coalition

20 June 2008

The Prime Minister should appoint a Cabinet-level champion for mental wellbeing, according to a report produced by a coalition of seven leading health organisations.

'A New Vision for Mental Health' from the Future Vision Coalition, calls for action to build on the successes of the National Service Framework (NSF) for Mental Health, to put mental wellbeing at the centre of public policy and to improve the quality of life of all people with mental health problems.

It argues that action is needed to promote better mental health for all and to identify children at risk of mental distress for targeted support. It calls on mental health services to focus on helping people to get their lives back, not just to manage their illness, and to give those who use services more control over how money is spent on them.

A New Vision for Mental Health says that mental wellbeing is the business of the whole of government, not just the Department of Health. It needs a champion in the Cabinet to ensure all departments are working together to promote good mental health and to bring the voices of those who have mental health problems to the centre of government.

To read the entire press release, click here.