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World Mental Health Day places spotlight on new approach to care
9 October 2020
HEE’s innovative work to introduce new roles into mental health services is being highlighted as part of World Mental Health Day (October 10).
The work is seen as vital to improve access to mental health care and provide services in the most appropriate and effective way.
Emma Wilton, Mental Health Programme Delivery Lead, Health Education England, said: “One in four adults and one in 10 children experience mental illness, and many more of us know and care for people who do. Our new roles work focuses on upskilling, new ways of working, supply, new roles and leadership.
“The benefits of the new roles work for those who access mental health services include improved access to services at an earlier stage by addressing the shortage of supply, services available and accessible at the right time and services delivered in a more integrated way.”
The current programme focuses on expanding and maximising the potential of the workforce in eight key areas across health and social care, in line with the ambitions of the NHS People Plan.
These include allied health professionals (AHPs); mental health nurses and nursing associates; peer support workers; clinical pharmacists and pharmacy technicians; physician associates; the psychological professions; and mental health social workers.
Eligible employees are supported through training, continuing professional development, feedback and access to a suite of relevant resources.
Expanding the number of roles with mental health responsibilities means patients benefit from earlier intervention and a wider range of specialist care which extends right across the spectrum to include health, social care, housing and education through the public and voluntary sectors, enabling service users to lead full and active lives.
More information about the National Programme for New Roles in Mental Health is available here:-