briefing paper

The future of mental health: discussion paper

Population demographics are changing. Technology continues to develop at a rapid pace. The recovery movement in mental health continues to grow, as does a focus on integration. At the same time, demand continues to increase and significant questions are being asked about where future investment in the NHS might come from. Currently,there is a lack of a sustainable and coherent national plan to tackle these issues.
This paper discusses what these challenges might mean for the future of our nation's mental health.

Accessibility, sustainability, excellence: how to expand access to research publications

The Report of the Working Group on Expanding Access to Published Research Findings (2012) - which has become known as the Finch Report - was based upon balancing the three criteria in its title: accessibility, sustainability and excellence. In this new report (2013), the same group reviews progress in implementing our recommendations one year after the publication of the 2012 Report. This report thus fulfils the Group's final responsibility.

Equal and expert: 3 best practice standards for carer engagement

No one would argue that unpaid family carers should not be equal partners in care, as their care constitutes over 50% of all care provided in every local authority and NHS region of Scotland. Consistent and meaningful carer engagement must therefore be at the heart of all good health and social care policy. But a great gulf remains between good intentions and good practice. The Coalition of Carers in Scotland is pleased to o!er the carer engagement standards in this document as a bridge to help planning o"cers and commissioners of services move from good intentions to better practice.