The Scottish Government are working on the development of the next strategy for Mental Health, which covers the period of 2016 – 2019, and are looking for input.
They would like to know what outcomes people want to achieve for mental health in Scotland, and what specific steps can be taken to achieve change.
They ask that responders consider the outline plans for a new Mental Health Strategy, and discuss key areas to be considered as part of the development of the next strategy, within the framing and anticipated priorities outlined below, and put forward these key areas.
The current outline for the new Strategy includes putting concerted effort into developing and measuring outcomes, developing new models of managing mental health problems in primary care, and reconsidering current priorities in the balance of healthcare between physical and mental health issues.
They also anticipate that priorities will include child and adolescent mental health, addressing inequalities, and better responses to mental health in primary care and better responses to distress and trauma, as well as promoting wellbeing through physical activity and improving patients’ rights.
They also expect to discuss suicide prevention and population needs.
The Scottish Government has provided a set of guide questions in order to help discussion:
- Where do we want to be? What would success look like?
- Why is it important?
- Who will it affect? How many people? Who needs to be involved? How many people?
- Where should it happen (geographic locations or settings)?
- How do we get there? What actions are needed to get there?
- How much will those actions cost us?
- What things should we stop doing to make time and release funds for these actions?
- How long should each action take us? And when will we arrive at where we want to be?
An engagement event is being held in Forth Valley on Monday 21st March, 11am – 2pm, at Carsebridge House, 3 – 8 Carsebridge Court, Alloa FK10 3LQ.
It is expected that the new Mental Health Strategy will be produced after the May 2016 election.
The closing date for response is Wednesday 23rd March. Responses should be sent to Lauren Murdoch, Head of Mental Health Unit, Scottish Government, by email at lauren.murdoch@gov.scot, or by phone on 0131 2441837.
For further information, please contact Lauren Murdoch as described above.
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