mental health care

Mental health in Scotland

Briefing that gives an overview of mental health in Scotland. It first discusses mental health within a global and European context, before focussing in more detail on the picture in Scotland.

It reviews what is currently known regarding the prevalence of mental health conditions, the organisation of mental health services, the current legislative and policy framework that underpins mental health service provision, how these services are regulated and monitored, and finally, the costs and funding of mental health services.

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.

Peer support in mental health care: is it good value for money?

Paper that makes a first attempt at assessing whether peer support provides value for money, looking specifically at whether peer support workers can reduce psychiatric inpatient bed use, either by preventing admissions or by shortening lengths of stay. Because of the very high cost of inpatient care, the savings that result from even small changes in bed use may be sufficient to outweigh the costs of employing peer workers.

Recovery: a carer's perspective

Paper that examines what recovery means for the families and friends of people with mental health conditions. It suggests ways in which these informal carers can support recovery and looks at how mental health services can give the best possible help to do this.

It also provides information about key resources, including the Triangle of Care and a Wellbeing Recovery Plan for families and friends.

The right to be heard: review of the Quality of Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA) services in England

Review of the quality of Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA) provision across England that was commissioned by the Department of Health. A team of independent researchers including four academics and nine co-researchers with experience of using mental health services undertook the study, which lasted eighteen months from 2010. Using different methods, the experiences and viewpoints of those with experience of IMHA, advocacy services, and health and social care professionals were explored in-depth.