Authorities meet carers over mental health provisions

Senior managers and clinicians from NHS North Yorkshire and York, North Yorkshire County Council, York Council and the Department of Health will meet at The Cairn Hotel, Harrogate, to debate “No Health without Mental Health” which outlines how mental health services can be delivered more effectively.

The costs of mental health problems to the economy in England are estimated at £105bn, and treatment costs are expected to double in the next 20 years.

The Government’s strategy aims to transform the mental health and well-being of the nation and ensure that mental health is given the same importance as the nation’s physical health.

It also outlines how a new emphasis on early intervention and prevention to help tackle the underlying causes of mental ill-health.

Dr Martin Hawkings, consultant in public health at NHS North Yorkshire and York, said: “People of all ages with mental health problems are too often excluded from the opportunities in life that others enjoy.

“The national strategy makes a welcome commitment to promote good mental health for all and to improve support for those who experience mental ill health.

“Mental illness is common and the six key aims of this strategy make a commitment to improving public health and wellbeing through improving mental health.

“Our workshop aims to help develop a local strategy which will see us working together to improve the mental health of the people in North Yorkshire and York and to secure better, quicker and more responsive services for those who need them.”

Kathy Clark, of York Council, said: “Most of us are affected directly, or know someone who is affected in some way, by mental health issues. This is a great opportunity to think about how we can make a real difference to the lives of local people and focus on the positive things we can do.”

The conference will cover themes such as mental health promotion, recovery, physical health, stigma, discrimination and experiences of care and support.