The nation’s mental health has been getting worse over the last decade. More people are experiencing mental distress and common mental health problems, and more people are seeking help for their mental health. Mental health inequality reflects social and economic inequality. It is unjust and it is not inevitable.
Our job at Centre for Mental Health is to explore what causes mental health inequalities and what can be done to tackle them. We provide information, ideas, and intelligence to shape policies for better mental health for all.
This year, we created a new five-year strategy to take us up to 2030. A mentally healthier future commits us to actions to achieve our three big ambitions: that our essential needs are met so we can all have better mental health; that we can all get the mental health support we need at the right time; and that no one faces inequity or injustice because of their mental health.
We’re putting those words into practice. We’ve published a roadmap to secure vital investment in the mental health of babies, children and young people. We’ve analysed data and intelligence about the state of public mental health and mental health services. We’ve explored the impacts of racism and racial trauma on mental health, and how public services can prevent, reverse and mitigate these injustices.
Alongside our ground-breaking research, we’ve trained 900 employment specialists and others to expand and improve the provision of Individual Placement and Support services across the UK. And we’ve supported local authorities to create mentally healthier places through our Mentally Healthier Councils Framework.
Our annual report reflects on all the work we have done over the last year towards achieving our ambitions, and how we will continue to pursue justice in mental health in the year to come.
