The Trust helps to shape a new government strategy

A new government strategy that will aim to improve services for people with mental health problems is due to be published soon. But first, the public are being asked for their views on what the strategy should cover. So, a series of listening events have been held across the country and the Trust hosted one for people across Yorkshire and the Humber.

Nearly 100 people attended the event including people who use mental health services and their carers who gave clinicians and other health care professionals their views.

p>The strategy, called ‘New Horizons’ will be launched later this year to replace the 10-year-old national service framework for mental health and ensure the continued transformation of specialist mental health services.

A key part of ‘New Horizons’ is a new evidence-based public mental health framework that will help to address the causes of poor mental health and ways to tackle the inequalities experienced by different groups in society. It is expected to focus on ways of guarding against mental health problems linked to hectic lifestyles and the economic downturn. It will also aim to help people to look after their mental health and prevent them from becoming ill, as well as tackle the stigma that’s associated with mental ill health.

Trust chief executive Steven Michael said, "Mental health services as a whole have come a long way over the last 10 years, but there is a lot more that can be done to improve them further. The New Horizons strategy will certainly take things forward and the Trust is thrilled to be supporting a move that will continue to improve services and promote public mental health and wellbeing for years to come."

To make suggestions for New Horizons or to be kept up to date on developments you can email newhorizons@dh.gsi.gov.uk.