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Employment and mental health: assessing the economic impact and the case for intervention

The importance of employment and its links with mental health are summarised and the European policy context described. The report then asks what the consequences of poor mental health for economic activity are, if a trend in productivity losses over time can be seen and what we know about employment rates for people with mental health problems. Barriers to employment, the economic case for helping such people remain in the workforce, assessing the cost effectiveness of interventions to this end, legislative and policy actions, and the way forward are discussed.

Up and running? : exercise therapy and the treatment of mild or moderate depression in primary care

This resource discuses exercise therapy as a treatment for mild or moderate depression. The report looks at research which indicates incidences of GP 'prescriptions' for exercise in the treatment of depression are low. The Mental Health Foundation is embarking on a campaign to promote exercise referral, the aim of which is to remove the main obstacle to the use of exercise therapy as a first-line treatment for mild or moderate depression in primary care – the failure of information to reach those who may be able to use it. Up and Running? marks the beginning of this campaign.

Unlocking the prison estate : modernising the prison system in England and Wales (Research note no.4)

Paper addressing the question of overcrowding in the prison system in England and Wales and arguing that one way to increase capacity in the system is for the UK Government to unlock the value of the prison estate which would release funds to build modern prisons and increase the number of prison places.

From safety net to springboard: a new approach to care and support for all based on equality and human rights

This report draws on a literature review and consultation to examine the current performance of care and support in protecting and promoting human rights and equality. The report aims to influence thinking on the future of care and support in England and it sets out the actions the Equality and Human Rights Commission will take to help make its vision for care and support a reality.

'Planned' teenage pregnancy: Views and experiences of young people from poor and disadvantaged backgrounds

This in-depth study explores the motivations for ‘planned’ teenage pregnancy in England. The findings have important implications for the Teenage Pregnancy Strategy and the increasing political agenda on young people and health. The report is based on 51 in-depth interviews, undertaken among teenagers in six relatively disadvantaged locations who reported their pregnancy as 'planned' (41 women and 10 men).