Key priorities for promoting recovery
Creating closer links
The NHS can help support people with mental health problems with practical challenges by ensuring services have strong links with agencies and community organisations that can offer advice and support. This can include support with benefits, housing, employment, social care and domestic abuse. To make access easier, these sources of support should be close to primary care and mental health services, co-located where possible.
Better access to social care
Access to social care can be crucial to enable people with mental health problems to live well in the community. It can also prevent them having to go to hospital. Social care is also key to helping people leave hospital safely and continue with their recovery. Mental health social work is vital to the Mental Health Act. The NHS must work closely with social care to integrate support for people with mental health problems.
Support to find work
The Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model effectively supports people with mental health problems to find sustainable work when they’re ready. We know that good work is vital for people’s mental health. Work gives people an income, social contact and greater skills and confidence.
Reducing early deaths
NHS England and Public Health England are leading a programme to reduce premature mortality, as part of the Five Year Forward View for Mental Health. We’re not seeing enough progress here. Too many people with Severe Mental Illness are not getting the physical health checks and follow-up care they need.