Association of Mental Health Providers

We welcome the workforce strategy for adult social care in England which was created by Skills for Care in collaboration with the social care sector - including people who draw on care and support. With an extra 540,000 posts in adult social care needed by 2040 to support a growing number of people living longer and often seeking services for dementia, mental ill-health, or physical illness, change is needed. We must change things to ensure that, over the next 15 years, enough people are working in social care with the right training, skills, qualifications, and pay to meet the changing and increasing needs of our population - and that these people are valued and supported in their roles. Read the full workforce strategy here: https://lnkd.in/gesY-4T8 #MentalHealth #AdultSocialCare #Workforce

It was fantastic to hear from expert speakers at today’s Community Mental Health webinar and audience questions. There were points of discussion raised about the importance of community mental health services and a focus on VCSE organisations, the NHS, and experts by experience working collaboratively to achieve positive mental health outcomes as well as a need for trauma-informed and person-centred care. Key concerns were voiced on the sustainability of the VCSE sector, racial inequalities in the system, staff burnout, and patient waiting times. However, speakers remained hopeful about the Patient and Carer Race Equality Framework (PCREF), local data which can bring about impactful change, working together as alliances, and co-production work. Thank you to all of the expert speakers for their vital contributions and to Brian Dow for chairing this joint webinar with Rethink Mental Illness. #MentalHealth #VCSE #Communities #Webinar

We are delighted that today’s King’s Speech included reform of the outdated Mental Health Act to “make it fit for the 21st century” through the Mental Health Bill. At a time of rising mental health needs, and hospital failings, people who reach crisis points need a system that gives them choice, rights, and control. As the only national voice of mental health charities providing services in England and Wales, we look forward to working with the new government to support people living with poor mental health and illness, and the organisations providing vital services, which enable them to thrive. Read our full response to the King's Speech here: https://lnkd.in/ervWbDbc #KingsSpeech #MentalHealth #OurResponse

"Poor mental health over time is associated with higher levels of persistent absence," so how can we ensure students' wellbeing is supported at school? Recently, Place2Be convened a roundtable of experts to discuss persistent absence in schools, sharing examples, stories, and solutions from their work with young people, supported by experience in schools, and led by evidence. We are pleased to read this new report, signed by twenty leading organisations from across the education, mental health, research, policy, and the third sector, which highlights key steps needed to turn the tide on the school absence crisis: https://lnkd.in/eW_MksDw Ultimately, we need to reform school culture to make it an inclusive place where children want to be, work collaboratively with families, and enable timely support to address drivers of school absences, poor mental health, and illness. #VCSE #MentalHealth #CYPMH Children and Young People's Mental Health Coalition (CYPMHC) Centre for Mental Health University of Cambridge AllChild (Formerly West London Zone) Anna Freud Barnardo's Confederation of School Trusts Greenhouse Sports National Children's Bureau National Governance Association Unity Schools Partnership

We are delighted to welcome Steve Appleton as the incoming Chair of The Association of Mental Health Providers. "With an impressive track record in strategy, policy, applied research, and the development of population-based initiatives, Steve has demonstrated a deep commitment to mental health and The Association and he has been a dedicated advocate for the sector. His extensive background and innovative approach will be invaluable as The Association continues to advance its mission to provide critical support, resources, and advocacy for the VCSE mental health provider sector." Kathy Roberts and the Board also extend their thanks to Dr. Sridevi Kalidindi CBE, as outgoing Chair, who has been a dedicated and compassionate leader during her term and has shown unwavering commitment and invaluable contributions to the organisation. Read our full announcement here: https://lnkd.in/e_kBZGXs #MentalHealth #VCSE #News

"Prevention is better than cure." Yesterday, we saw a positive shift from the government's healthcare department with the Department of Health and Social Care highlighting a need for further focus on prevention. We know that addressing the root causes of poor health outcomes is critical and that mental health and physical health are intrinsically linked. The inclusion of the Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector in prevention work is crucial for improving the nation's health outcomes. These organisations often provide effective early intervention services, working closely with local communities, addressing inequalities, and bringing valuable insights to health and care partnerships. Our Manifesto outlines five key areas for this government to address to prioritise the nation's mental health - with a focus on the root causes of mental illness. Read it here: https://lnkd.in/eXw3VpAk #MentalHealth #VCSE #Prevention

It was good to attend today’s webinar which featured a discussion on the Right Care, Right Person approach with key insights on the Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise provider sector from Duncan Tree and Emma Edwards (Together for Mental Wellbeing), as well as staff from Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS), Local Government Association, Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust, and Humberside Police. Colleagues highlighted the importance of partnership working, prevention, and engagement of the Voluntary and Community sector to ensure that, when people reach crisis point, they receive appropriate and timely care that keeps them safe and well. #VCSE #MentalHealth #Webinar #RCRP 

Right Care, Right Person: One Year On 'Right care, right person' is an approach developed originally by Humberside Police and partners which sets out the principles around a partnership approach which aims to ensure that individuals in mental health crisis are seen by the right professional. The Association’s Director of Strategy and Relationships, Duncan Tree, will be discussing the approach from a partners perspective alongside colleagues from the Local Government Association, Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS), Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust, and Humberside Police at a free webinar tomorrow. The session is an opportunity to see how the policy of ‘Right care, right person’ is working currently and identify any emerging issues to ensure that the policy delivers its stated aims and supports the safety and welfare of individuals. Book your free ticket for the webinar, which takes place on Thursday 11 July, 10:30am to 12:00pm here: https://lnkd.in/eD5nNxSC #MentalHealth #Webinar #RightCareRightPerson

"Women who experience child removal often have intersecting unmet needs, including histories of abuse, homelessness, mental health needs, and issues with substance misuse, requiring tailored gender- and trauma-responsive support." A new briefing from our partner Agenda Alliance, commissioned by Greater Manchester Combined Authority, "We Need Support" examines how women facing multiple unmet needs experience systems of child removal in Greater Manchester, and offers key recommendations for positive change. Read the full briefing here: https://lnkd.in/gJ_-pT_Z #MentalHealth #WeNeedSupport #Briefing

What does a new Labour government mean for Mental Health? The Labour Party has set out pledges that would make significant strides in mental health equity. Their key commitments include: - Mental Health Staffing: Recruiting an additional 8,500 mental health staff trained to support people at risk of suicide. - Young Futures Hubs: Introducing new hubs to provide open access mental health services for children and young people in every community. - Specialist Mental Health Professionals in Schools: Providing access to specialist mental health professionals in every school. - Modernising the Mental Health Act: Ensuring the Act treats everyone with dignity and respect. - Addressing the Social Determinants of Mental Health: Implementing a child poverty strategy and renters' reform. However, there’s more that can be done. We continue to call for: - Investment in the VCSE sector to cope with increased demand. - Inclusion of the VCSE sector in workforce planning. - Addressing inequalities in the mental health system such as through the Patient and Carer Race Equality Framework (PCREF). - Tackling root causes of poor mental health and utilising VCSE expertise. - Reforming the Mental Health Act by appointing a Mental Health Commissioner to address systematic inequalities. We welcome and look forward to working with the Labour Government to achieve our vision of #BetterMentalHealth for everyone. Learn more about our manifesto: https://lnkd.in/eXw3VpAk #GeneralElection #MentalHealth #VCSE