Commissioning what works can save millions to the NHS, says Sainsbury Centre report

Source: Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health

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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

Mental Health News

Source: NHS North West website

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.

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Acknowledgement: NHS North West

DIY Happiness project: safeguarding mental health

Source:  South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust

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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

New Horizons : towards a shared vision of mental health

Source:  Department of Health

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Date of publication: July 2009

Publication type: Consultation

In a nutshell: Urban allotments, reading groups and computer training for the over 50s are just some of the good practice initiatives featured as part of a new approach to public mental health and well-being.  The report sets out a new approach to improving well-being for the whole population, aiming to create a way to target the root causes of poor mental health.   The consultation launched on 22 July 2009 was developed jointly with groups and organisations who have a role in service provision. A number of key themes are being consulted on:
- prevention and public mental health– recognising the need to prevent as well as treat mental health and promote mental health and well-being
- stigma – strengthening the focus on social inclusion and tackling stigma and discrimination wherever they occur
- early intervention – expanding  the principle of early intervention to improve long term outcomes
- personalised care – ensuring care is based on individuals’ needs and wishes leading to recovery
- multi-agency commissioning/collaboration – working to achieve a joint approach between local authorities, the NHS and others
- innovation – seeking out new ways to achieve objectives based on research and new technologies
- value for money – delivering cost-effective and innovative services in a period of recession
- strengthening transition – improving the transition from child and adolescent mental health services to adult services, for those with continuing needs and issues

Length of publication: 130 pages

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Acknowledgement: Department of Health