SCMH welcomes new public health White Paper

16 November 2004

"Preventing mental illness is no less important than tackling smoking or obesity," Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health chief executive Angela Greatley said today.

Responding to the publication of the Government's new White Paper on Public Health, Angela Greatley said "The cost of mental ill health in England alone amounted to some £77.4 billion last year. By any measure, mental health is an important public health issue that demands coherent and urgent action.

"We are pleased that the White Paper recognises the importance of work for many people with mental health problems and the discrimination they often face in getting into employment. Action to promote mental wellbeing among young people, particularly in schools, is also welcome.

"It is vital for our nation's health that efforts to promote good mental health become a real priority for public health professionals, and that more resources are put into mental health promotion. To date, mental health promotion has been starved of resources and existed on a shoestring.

"Nobody chooses to have a mental health problem. Mental illness cannot be prevented by promoting healthy lifestyles. Promoting mental wellbeing is about tackling the things that put people at risk of mental ill health and taking action to offer fair chances in life to those with mental health problems.

"Today's White Paper is a step in the right direction for mental health but is not the comprehensive strategy for mental wellbeing we hoped to see."