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Date of publication: March 2010

Publication type: Report

In a nutshell: The report takes forward New Horizons, the government’s 10-year strategy to improve the mental health and well-being of the population, and the quality of services. The report emphasises the importance of intervening early, given estimates that half of all mental health problems, excluding dementia, start by the age of 14, but also of promoting mental well-being over the course of people’s lives.  It highlights universal and targeted interventions in areas including education, leisure and workplace health, as well as psychological therapies, and includes advice for commissioners on implementing the agenda.  The report is designed to help reduce the economic costs of mental illness because aAbout 11% of the NHS annual budget is spent on mental health services with recent estimates putting the wider economic costs at around £110bn UK-wide.

Length of publication:  Web site

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Date of publication: 1 February 2010

Publication type: Report

In a nutshell: Sections cover the context of how much intervention the state should make into people’s health and wellbeing, how much the public think there should be state intervention, and first steps at a new framework for intervention.  Text cases are included which cover tobacco, alcohol and obesity

Length of publication:  51 pages

Follow this link for the abstract

Date of publication: February 2010

Publication type: Press release

In a nutshell: This training programme began on 19 February 2010 and is aimed at managers to educate them about the importance of workplace health rights.

Length of publication:  Website

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Date of publication: 1 February 2010

Publication type: Report

In a nutshell: The recommendations in this report call for strengthening of cross department action on health and wellbeing, an integrated model of commissioning of services to improve health and wellbeing, integrated delivery at a local level, a renewed vision for primary care and an NHS that is more focused on prevention.

Length of publication:  45 pages

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Date of publication: April 2010

Publication type: Report

In a nutshell: This report offers a fresh perspective on how to reduce inequalities in community health and wellbeing.  It proposes assessing and building on the strengths and resources in a community to increase resilience and social capital, and develop better ways of delivering health outcomes.  Evidence shows that when practitioners begin with a community’s assets – as opposed to their needs – a community’s ability to address those needs increases. This publication offers an introduction to the asset model approach and gives examples of how it is being used in England.  It also outlines a set of structured tools that put asset model principles into practice.

Length of publication:  32 pages

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Date of publication: 1 February 2010

Publication type: Report

In a nutshell: Looks at what has worked in the past to improve health and wellbeing and what has not worked.  This is put forward within the context of how to influence behaviour change in people, suggesting what more can be done in the next decade.  Contains a number of recommendations that can be taken forward at local level.

Length of publication:  40 pages

Year of publication: 2010

Follow this link  for the abstract

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Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell:  This article describes a  research project  aimed to gain participants’ views of taking part in Silver Song Clubs – community-based singing groups for older people. Seventeen individuals were interviewed and a number of benefits were identified. These included: enjoyment; better mental health and wellbeing; increased social interaction; improvements in physical health; cognitive stimulation and learning; and improved memory and recall. It is suggested that such benefits sit well within a model of health relevant to older people themselves.

Length of publication:  5 pages

Some important notes:  Original article may be available with an NHS Athens username; contact your local NHS library service for details.  Follow this link to find your local NHS Library http://www.hlisd.org

Acknowledgement: CINAHL

Source: Website

For fulltext link here

For abstract link here

Year of publication: 2009

Publication type: Report Summary

In a nutshell: Major new survey of 18,500 residents of the North West highlights crucial role of mental wellbeing in improving people’s lives. It identified differences between local areas, with people from Warrington emerging as having the highest overall mental wellbeing score in the North West and people in Liverpool the lowest. One of the findings was there needs to be much greater attention and effort on improving mental wellbeing to help people live healthier, happier and more productive lives.

Length of publication: Webpage

Acknowledgement: Mental Health Development Unit

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Date of publication: 2009

Publication type: Report

In a nutshell: This document explains how good design makes healthy places. It brings together what CABE knows about sustainable, health-promoting design with the latest thinking about individual health and well-being. The publication will be of interest to health trusts, planners, policymakers and premises providers.

Length of publication: 53 pages

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Date of publication: 2009

Publication type: Report

In a nutshell: The Partnership for Older People Projects (POPP) was funded by the Department of Health to develop services for older people, aimed at promoting their health, well-being and independence and preventing or delaying their need for higher intensity or institutional care. The evaluation found that a wide range of projects resulted in improved quality of life for participants and considerable savings, as well as better local working relationships. Length of publication: 302 pages

Follow this link for the abstract

Follow this link for the full-text  The link above will direct you to a link to the full text report

Date of publication: 2009

Publication type: Report

In a nutshell: This guide has been developed to assist commissioners to make the most of the best methods of promoting health, using the latest understanding of how they can support people to make healthy choices as individuals within the social and environmental contexts in which they live. The guide will also be of value to providers in giving insight into the commissioning process.

Length of publication: 58 pages

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Date of publication: 2010

Publication type: Report

In a nutshell: Describes how practical wellbeing projects across the country are delivering economic and social benefits. The report also examines happiness and wellbeing in the context of public policy and considers, in the face of difficult public spending choices, how wellbeing projects can benefit local communities.

Length of publication: 108 pages

Acknowledgement: IDEA

Year of publication: 2010

Publication type: Website

In a nutshell: target: wellbeing aims to help people across the Northwest live healthier and happier lives. The website showcases resources, events, projects, news and much more.
The projects focus on:
•Increasing physical activity
•Encouraging healthy eating
•Improving mental wellbeing

Length of publication: Webpage

Acknowledgement: Mental Health News

Source: Website

Year of publication: 2010

Publication type: Website

In a nutshell: Liverpool has given 2010 the title ’Year of Health & Wellbeing’. Throughout the yaer this website will showcase events and activities that the public can take part in that can have a positive impact on your health and wellbeing. They are also interested in hearing from you if you are an organisation planning a related event or activity that you would like to include.

Length of publication: Webpage

Acknowledgement: Liverpool PCT

Follow this link for fulltext

Follow this link for the Department of Health response

Date of publication: November 2009

Publication type: Report

In a nutshell: This review, commissioned by DH gathered and analysed evidence relating to health and well-being across the NHS, to see the links between well-being and productivity, efficiency, and patient experience. The Secretary of State for Health, Andy Burnham, has now considered this report and written his response, including a proposed action plan for implementing the recommendations from Dr Boorman’s report across the NHS.  One particular proposal is that SHAs work with local organisations to develop a health and wellbeing action plan for their staff.  It is noted in the report that if all NHS organisations reduced their sickness absense by a third the NHS could save £555m per year.

Length of publication: 37 pages

For fulltext link here

Year of publication: May 2009

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: This paper reports on a study designed to test the knowledge and skill acquisition and self-reported application of solution-focused brief therapy by staff following a 2-day training. This study  demonstrated that the 2-day training was effective in increasing participants’ reported knowledge and understanding of solution-focused brief therapy and their self-reported use of the techniques in routine clinical practice. In conclusion, this study has established that staff from a variety of professional and non-professional backgrounds can make good skill acquisition from a fairly modest training. This may support care given in the community and so reduce inpatient stays.

Length of publication: 8 pages

Some important notes:  Original article may be available with an NHS Athens username; contact your local NHS library service for details.  Follow this link to find your local NHS Library http://www.hlisd.org

Acknowledgement: MEDLINE

For fulltext link here

Year of publication: January 2009

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: Describes the aims of the Scottish Mental Health Arts and Film Festival, which include presenting positive mental health and wellbeing, tackling stigma and discrimination affecting service users through working together by arts and mental health organisations.

Length of publication: 3 pages

Some important notes:  Original article may be available with an NHS Athens username; contact your local NHS library service for details.  Follow this link to find your local NHS Library http://www.hlisd.org

Acknowledgement: BNI

For abstract link here

Year of publication: April 2009

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: This article makes an economic case for diverting resources now to the health and wellbeing of older people so that illness may be prevented, in order to save money later. Five parts are described:
a. Cost-effectiveness
b. Costs
c. Outcomes
d. Equity
e. Design

Length of publication: 5 pages

Some important notes:  Original article may be available with an NHS Athens username; contact your local NHS library service for details.  Follow this link to find your local NHS Library http://www.hlisd.org

Acknowledgement: PsycINFO

For fulltext link here

Year of publication:  November 2009

Publication type: Website

In a nutshell: Collective Voice North West held its 2nd sub regional conference on 12th October 2009 in Manchester and would like to engage with more service users at furure events and gain a general consensus for making Collective Voice happen – influencing change!
Future events :
21st January 2010 – Chester
21st April 2010 – Cumbria
6th July 2010 – Manchester / Liverpool
9th October 2010 – UCLan, Preston

Length of publication: Webpage

Acknowledgement: North West Health Improvement Programme

Follow this link for fulltext

Date of publication: November 2009

Publication type: Newsletter

In a nutshell: Comple@t is a project run by Rochdale and District Mind which promotes social inclusion and improves wellbeing for people with mental health issues through creating viable alternative work experience and training options which reflect the needs of mental health service users.  The project builds confidence and self esteem. It has helped more than 450 people, many of whom have now moved on into full time education and employment. It is a City and Guilds registered training provider offering accredited courses covering basic numeracy and literacy, hospitality and mental health support work. The project promotes a positive image of mental health, helps reduce stigma and discrimination and offers healthy food choices and access to information and wider services in a non mental health setting.

Length of publication: Website

Acknowledgement: North West Mental Health Improvement Programme

Follow this link for fulltext

Date of publication: October 2009

Publication type: Article

In a nutshell: Describes the experience of setting up reading groups at Ashworth Hospital, a project that has been highlighted in the Department of Health strategy New Horizons.

Length of publication: Web page

Follow this link for fulltext

Date of publication: October 2009

Publication type: Press Release

In a nutshell: Walsall Creative Development team decided to look at the lifestyles and habits of the 1,500 men who are cab drivers in Walsall. The team realised that the health and wellbeing of cab drivers impacted on a much larger group of people. For example, many cabbies in the area provide for extended families and are an important link in the community.  Initially, not much was known about the cabbies. This was partly because, in many cases, their interaction with people outside of their families was only brief.  Several drivers took part in the research phase of the project. They kept a video diary of their working day, reporting on:
what they ate
how much sleep they took
how they were feeling
what they had been up to when not working
The project aims to show that small changes can help to overcome some of the health issues raised.

Length of publication: Web page

Acknowledgement: I&DeA

Follow this link for fulltext

Follow this link for the press release

Date of publication: October 2009

Publication type: Press Release and Report

In a nutshell: The report Enhancing informal adult learning for older people in care settings is putting into practice the commitments of The Learning Revolution White Paper, which reported that ‘learning can improve the health and quality of life for older people in care, but too often it’s missing’.  Funded by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), the report draws on feedback from organisations and individuals and highlights examples of existing good practice, setting out the challenges in providing more learning opportunities for older people in care settings. An on-line forum has been created on the Learning Revolution discussion-site to capture thoughts and ideas; these contributions will be included in the production of a toolkit of best practice to be published next year. To contribute, visit http://thelearningrevolution.ning.com/group/olderpeople.

Length of publication: 32 pages

Follow this link for fulltext

Date of publication: 8 October 2009

Publication type: Press Release

In a nutshell: The Wellbeing Project launched a unique social marketing campaign at the Wellbeing Conference in St Helens.  The Project invited delegates at the ‘Prescribing for Health’ Conference to record their ‘recipe’s for wellbeing’.
A film booth was set up at the venue to record short film clips of delegates completing the following sentence: My recipe for wellbeing is… The film clips will feature on the Wellbeing Project website as well as on You Tube.  “The film clips will form part of a social marketing campaign that aims to raise people’s awareness about mental health and wellbeing issues” explains Mrs Paula Gamester, Co-Director of the Wellbeing Project Community Interest Company based in St Helens.  Over the next 12 months the Wellbeing Project are setting out to record as many people’s ‘recipes for wellbeing’ as possible. The photo booth will be travelling all over the North West to canvass people’s opinions from a diverse range of communities.

Length of publication: Web page

Follow this link for fulltext

Follow this link for the press release

Date of publication: 22 September 2009

Publication type: Press Release and Briefing

In a nutshell: By commissioning the best form of employment support for people with severe or enduring mental health problems the NHS can make better use of millions of pounds, according to a report published by Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health.   Commissioning what works: the economic and financial case for supported employment shows that Individual Placement and Support (IPS), which helps people into paid competitive work, is effective, is good value for money and is affordable to the NHS.   Implementing IPS across England would cost the NHS £67 million a year (or £440,000 per average PCT). By contrast, current spending on day and vocational services for people with severe or enduring mental health problems is around £184 million a year.

Length of publication: 12 pages

Year of publication: 2009

Publication type: Press Release

In a nutshell: Manchester-based Anxiety UK is launching a credit crunch crisis helpline to help Manchester residents who are being affected by the recession. The helpline, due to be launched in November, comes after the charity had a 400% surge in emails and double the amount of calls from people suffering from increased anxiety and stress because of the recession. The helpline will have trained volunteers who have experience of anxiety on standby, and an independent financial advisor will also be available to offer expert advice to those needing it.

Length of publication: Web page

Year of publication: 2009

Publication type: Website

In a nutshell: NHS Direct have launched an online mental health symptom checker to find out how people can deal with common mental health conditions.

Length of publication: Web page

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Acknowledgement: NHS Direct

Year of publication: 2009

Publication type: Press Release

In a nutshell: NHS Blackpool hosted a range of events promoting mental health and wellbeing throughout the town during October to tie in with World Mental Health Day. For 5 days , there was the ‘Mental Health and Wellbeing Shop’ at the Houndshill Shopping Centre, Blackpool. The Primary Intermediate Mental Health Team was supported by guest celebrities and players from Blackpool Football Club. There was  an opportunity to have ‘Tea and Talk’ sessions with a range of mental health support services and partners in the community. Other activities  included a ‘Speed Dating’ style event at Blackpool Football Stadium  designed to give people a chance to meet providers of Blackpool Mental Health and Substance Misuse Services.

Length of publication: 3 pages

For information link here

Year of publication: 2009

Publication type: Website

In a nutshell: To promote the sharing of information across the mental health community in the North West the Mental Health Improvement Programme (MHIP), NHS North West, sends out news items about activities relating to mental health and mental health service development. The items are sent in the form of a regular e-bulletin, going out to an extensive network of contacts.

Further dissemination: If you think anyone would benefit from receiving this posting or from subscribing to this blog, please email them the link to this blog and suggest they sign up to the blog’s email newsletter to stay up to date with new content.

Acknowledgement: NHS North West

For abstract link here

Year of publication: 2009

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: The occupational therapy service in Rossendale began wellbeing groups in an attempt to increase the mental wellbeing of the service users accessing memory assessment services.This was in line with the National Dementia Strategy and the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines.  A review was conducted using a satisfaction questionnaire to establish whether the group was meeting the initial aims for attendees and carers.

Length of publication: 3 pages

Some important notes: Original article may be available with an NHS Athens username; contact your local NHS library service for details.  Follow this link to find your local NHS Library.

Further dissemination: If you think anyone would benefit from receiving this posting or from subscribing to this blog, please email them the link to this blog and suggest they sign up to the blog’s email newsletter to stay up to date with new content.

Acknowledgement: CINAHL

For abstract link here

Year of publication: 2009

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: This article describes a Stress-Busting Program (SBP) for family caregivers and examines its effectiveness. The essential components of the SBP are education, stress management, problem solving, and support
delivered in a group setting for 9 weeks. Results indicate that throughout the program, caregivers experienced signficiant improvements in general health, vitality, social function, and mental health scores and decreases in anxiety, anger/hostility, depression, perceived stress, and caregiver burden. The SBP is a cost-effective
health-promotion strategy for caregivers who have substantial ongoing stress.

Length of publication: 8 pages

Some important notes: Original article may be available with an NHS Athens username; contact your local NHS library service for details.  Follow this link to find your local NHS Library.

Further dissemination: If you think anyone would benefit from receiving this posting or from subscribing to this blog, please email them the link to this blog and suggest they sign up to the blog’s email newsletter to stay up to date with new content.

Acknowledgement: CINAHL

Year of publication: 2009

Publication type: Press release

In a nutshell: Work towards this report was carried out by the Northern Ireland  Association for Mental Health (NIAMH). Northern Ireland’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride commissioned the report. He said: “Our mental health is as important as good physical health. That means taking positive action to maintain good mental health and wellbeing. The NIAMH report has highlighted the areas and approaches we need to focus on to make this happen.”

Some important notes: If you need any help locating the full report, follow this link for your your local library service

Further dissemination: If you think anyone would benefit from receiving this posting or from subscribing to this blog, please email them the link to this blog and suggest they sign up to the blog’s email newsletter to stay up to date with new content.

Year of publication: 2009

Publication type: Website

In a nutshell: The Wellbeing Project has secured a grant to deliver a unique scheme that will educate the victims of domestic violence about ways to keep well.The First Steps Programme is a five-day training course designed to raise awareness of the practical steps people can take to stay safe in difficult situations: the First Steps Programme is available free of charge to people living in St Helens. It includes topics on personal safety, understanding domestic violence, managing aggression as well as ‘hands on’ practical sessions that teach self-defense and first aid techniques.

Length of publication: Webpage

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For abstract link here

Year of publication: 2009

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: This study shows the effect, for a semester, of exercise such as Pilates and taiji quan on perceived self-efficacy, sleep quality and mood, as well as strength and balance in college-age individuals. Self-efficacy was found to be improved in the Pilates and taiji quan groups and there was a trend towards improvement in sleep quality. Mood was found to be improved significantly in the Pilates group while the taiji group showed a trend towards improvement. Pilates and taiji quan are effective exercise modes to improve well being in college-age individuals

Length of publication: 8 pages

Some important notes: Original article may be available with an NHS Athens username; contact your local NHS library service for details. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library.

Further dissemination: If you think anyone would benefit from receiving this posting or from subscribing to this blog, please email them the link to this blog and suggest they sign up to the blog’s email newsletter to stay up to date with new content.

Acknowledgement: AMED

Follow this link for access to fulltext

Date of publication: 2009

Publication type: Briefing paper

In a nutshell: A survey which indicates that worker well being is important for businesses, particularly during a recession, and absence management becomes even more important.

Length of publication: 3 pages

Acknowledgement: I&DeA

Follow this link for abstract

Date of publication: 2009

Publication type: Website

In a nutshell: Funded by the National Lottery through the Big Lottery Fund this project aims to improve the health and wellbeing of older people, promoting physical activity.   In partnership with an occupational therapy lecturer from the University of Brighton, Eastbourne Homes used a garden in one of the housing schemes, where members could be become fully involved in the project.  This active network is aimed at over-50s who may have previously had a garden and would like to maintain their interest in gardening.

Acknowledgement: I&DeA

Date of publication: 2009

Publication type: Press Release

In a nutshell: The Wellbeing Project based in St. Helens have launched their twitter service for anyone interested in keeping up to date with the latest happenings at the Wellbeing Project as they unfold.

Length of publication: Website

Follow this link for the abstract

Date of publication: 2009

In a nutshell: With Community for Health funding, Corby Borough Council has commissioned a mobile health clinic to tackle health inequalities in the borough.  A fully equipped bus visits residents where they live, work or go shopping to offer a review of their overall health.  People are also signposted to healthcare or other support services that they may need.  The clinic provides people with a printed record of their health-check readings on: weight, blood pressure, blood glucose and body-mass index (BMI).  The clinic then offers appropriate health advice. This is often about weight control:  staff trained by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) offer weekly weigh-ins, dietary advice, and sample menus and recipes.

Length of publication: Website

 Acknowledgement: I&DeA

Follow this link for access to fulltext

Date of publication: 2009

Publication type: Interim Report

In a nutshell: The NHS Health and Well-being Review sets out to investigate and improve the health of NHS staff, and their health and well-being provision at work. The independent review is led by Dr Steve Boorman, an occupational health doctor working for the Royal Mail.  This interim report contains a number of recommendations which should help to improve the health and wellbeing of NHS staff.  the final report is due out later in 2009.

Length of publication: 104 pages

Follow this link for abstract

Date of publication: 2009

Publication type: Website

In a nutshell: DIY Happiness has been going since 2007.  It uses humour, creativity and evidence emerging from the field of positive psychology to provide practical advice and information that will increase people’s ability to ‘bounce back’ from adversity, reduce both the physical and the psychological impact of stress, increase resilience, and build durable personal resources.  The approach was developed with advice from other leaders in the field – especially NEF (New Economics Foundation) and the Centre for Positive Psychology at the University of Warwick.

Length of publication: Website

Acknowledgement: I&DeA

For abstract link here

Year of publication: 2009

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: This article looks at the benefits and barriers of volunteering for those with mental health problems. It takes the point of view of the Occupational Therapist, and has recommendations for further research if the barriers are to be removed. Also useful for those recommending placements for clients.

Length of publication: 10 pages

Some important notes: Original article may be available with an NHS Athens username; contact your local NHS library service for details.  Follow this link to find your local NHS Library.

Acknowledgement: AMED

For abstract link here

Year of publication: 2009

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: This project describes piloting the use of yoga exercise to improve mental well-being in patients with diabetes and other long-term conditions. This took place in a general practice in Suffolk.  Pre- and post-participation anxiety and depression scores of participants are presented.

Length of publication: 8 pages

Some important notes: Original article may be available with an NHS Athens username; contact your local NHS library service for details.  Follow this link to find your local NHS Library.

Further dissemination: If you think anyone would benefit from receiving this posting or from subscribing to this blog, please email them the link to this blog and suggest they sign up to the blog’s email newsletter to stay up to date with new content.

Acknowledgement: British Nursing Index

Follow this link for fulltext

Date of publication: July 2009

Publication type: Report

In a nutshell: A new independent report has found that a Government programme to provide housing support to vulnerable and homeless people has led to significant savings in the cost of other services.  The report by analysts Capgemini, has estimated that the £1.6bn invested through Supporting People has saved other services £3.41bn – through reduced costs in homelessness, tenancy failure, crime, health and residential care packages.  Accompanying the report is a Supporting People local financial benefits model and user guide attached at www.communities.gov.uk/documents/housing/xls/1275033.xls.

Length of publication: 198 pages

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For fulltext link here

Year of publication: 2009

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: This article describes the ‘Get Into Reading’ project work organised by The Reader Organisation in Liverpool.  Anecdotal reports from participants describe improvements in mental health and wellbeing by those taking part in groups.

Length of publication: 2 pages

Some important notes:

Further dissemination: If you think anyone would benefit from receiving this posting or from subscribing to this blog, please email them the link to this blog and suggest they sign up to the blog’s email newsletter to stay up to date with new content.

Acknowledgement: EBSCO

For fulltext link here 

Year of publication: 2009

Publication type: Report

In a nutshell: This report draws on examples of practice from differing fields to help inform strategies for dealing with alcohol abuse – covering strategies to change behaviours and attitudes; looking at the reasons for the effectiveness of the different approaches; and how policy and practice can have an impact on attitudes and behaviours. 7 case studies are presented.

Length of publication: 110 pages

Some important notes: 4 page summary is also available

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Follow this link for fulltext

Date of publication: 2009

Publication type: Report

In a nutshell: Report of summarised findings produced by Jane South from a series of expert hearings on the theme of lay person’s involvement in public health roles.  Key findings from the hearings have shown that lay people are often better placed to get messages across and give direct support to individuals and communities.   Local health and wellbeing organisations increasingly recognise that there is the potential to create better, more responsive services if the gap between the people who use services and the professionals who provide them is reduced. Suggests there have been many individual innovators over the years who have developed projects and programmes that involve lay people, health champions, volunteers but the practice is still rarely mainstreamed.   Details of the innovative projects which gave evidence include:  

Thornhill Health & Wellbeing Project Southampton
The Community Health Educators Project
Lay Health Trainers: Learning from the USA
Speakeasy
Practice Experience of Involving People in Public Health
Volunteer Tutors and the Expert Patients Programme
Commissioning for Health and Well-being
Walking the Way to Health 

Length of publication: 16 pages

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Acknowledgement: I&DeA

Follow this link for fulltext 

Date of publication: July 2009

Publication type: Press Release

In a nutshell: Demonstrator sites, announced by Care Services Minister Phil Hope, will start in 22 areas which are linked on the press release announcement.  An additional 18 sites will test peer support networks for families and carers.  The advisors will act as a guide helping people to navigate tthrough he care and support systems.  The sites piloting support networks will test different ways of providing local practical and emotional support for people with dementia and their carers and give them an opportunity to take an active role in developing local services. Some of the services that will be piloted include dementia cafes – places where people with dementia and their carers can meet up – and a simple social networking site which will allow people with dementia to network with others.  Several of the demonstrator sites will also focus on working with harder to reach minority groups such as people with
learning difficulties, BME groups and people who do not speak English.  Phil Hope made the announcement while visiting the Croydon Memory Clinic – an example of the memory clinics which will be set up across the country to ensure early diagnosis and intervention.

Length of publication: Web page

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Acknowledgement: NHS Networks

Follow this link for fulltext 

Date of publication: June 2009

Publication type:  Report

In a nutshell: This report reveals the barriers that are preventing patients with mild or moderate depression from accessing exercise on prescription. They include funding constraints within local government and PCTs, and that many GPs aren’t aware that exercise schemes are available in their area.

Length of publication: 46 pages

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Acknowledgement: NHS Networks