Centre for Mental Health works with local authorities, integrated care systems, integrated care boards, combined authorities and mental health service providers to help them understand local needs and how to meet them effectively.
We provide independent evidence-based advice on what has the best chance of making a difference to mental health, wellbeing and life chances, and how to get best value from local commissioning. Our track record of pioneering new ways of working has consistently led to better outcomes, by embedding high quality research into policy, practice and local strategies.
“You produced a result of very high quality indeed, which has resonated with elected members, officers, commissioners and most importantly children, young people, parents and professionals who work most closely with them. Our Director of Public Health and the CAMHS Review Team here speak very, very highly of the work your colleagues have done. We are much in your debt for the painstaking quality and thoroughness of your work, and the children and young people of Hertfordshire will be the better for it.”
– Teresa Heritage (County Councillor, Hertfordshire)
We can support your area with a Needs Assessment, Service Review, and strategic support to embed evidence into local strategies and pathways. Our experts can:
- Identify priorities for action based on local need, the evidence for the most effective approaches to meeting it, and the extent of existing provision;
- Engage commissioners, communities, and service providers to sense-check findings and assure their quality and relevance;
- Review all local and national documentation to ensure that local arrangements align with best practice and national policies;
- Design structures based on local resources with clear mechanisms for community and service user involvement in coproducing solutions to better meet need;
- Develop evidence-based, actionable recommendations for the ideal multi-sector governance structure for implementing and monitoring mental health strategies;
- Work alongside partners using a side-by-side consultancy model that offers responsive, brave and relevant thought leadership.
Examples of our needs assessments work
- We have been commissioned by Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust to conduct an All-Age Mental Health Needs Assessment. This project takes a life-course approach, covering mental health and wellbeing needs from birth to the end of life. Our focus includes identifying disparities within the local population, combining national and local data with lived experience. The comprehensive assessment is designed to shape future service planning and interventions, giving a clearer understanding of the community’s mental health needs and how they can be better addressed.
- Similarly, we are currently working with Greenwich Council to deliver a life-course Mental Health Needs Assessment. This assessment is focused on capturing the unique inequalities affecting Greenwich, such as the impact of systemic racism, deprivation and other risk factors. By combining demographic data, national evidence, and the voices of people with lived experience, we are providing targeted recommendations for improving services and resource allocation.
For more information about how the Centre can help local areas to improve mental health support and become more sustainable, please contact Jenny Banks at jenny.banks@centreformentalhealth.org.uk
