Mental health is made in communities

Andy Bell

Chief Executive

Dear friend,

Summer is (supposedly) in full swing, so a very warm welcome to our July newsletter!

Today we published a new briefing for integrated care systems on maternal mental health, and what they can do to improve support for all mothers and birthing people.

Last week we shared new research on the Better Mental Health Fund and how it has enabled local councils and community organisations in some of the most deprived areas of England to boost mental health and wellbeing. It shows just how much is possible with wise investment in the public’s mental health and lays the groundwork for a longer-term, sustainable approach to supporting mental health in all local areas.

On 9 August we’ll be hosting our final Festival of Ideas event, where we’ll be exploring the intersection of the climate crisis and mental health – we hope you can join us.

Maternal mental health: A briefing for integrated care systems

One woman in five experiences a mental health problem during pregnancy or after they have given birth.

This briefing, commissioned by the Maternal Mental Health Alliance, sets out what integrated care systems can do to support maternal mental health, and provide equitable access to mental health care for all mothers and birthing people during the perinatal period.

Made in communities

The Better Mental Health Fund was set up in 2021 to address mental health challenges arising from the Covid-19 pandemic, giving funding to 40 of the most deprived local authorities in England.

We worked with local areas to understand how they used the Fund to improve people’s mental health and wellbeing. Our evaluation showcases the value of investing in public mental health through local councils and communities.

How the Better Mental Health Fund has boosted mental health in deprived communities

How has the Better Mental Health Fund boosted mental health in deprived communities?

Catch up on our event where report co-author David Woodhead shares the findings from our evaluation.

Festival of Ideas: The climate crisis and its impact on mental health

9 August | 12PM - 1PM

What will be the consequences for mental health if we do not slow the rise of global temperatures?

How can we positively impact people’s mental health through climate initiatives?

At our final Festival of Ideas event we’ll hear from people working at the intersection of climate change and mental health and explore responses to these important questions.

July saw the NHS reach its 75th birthday and while mental health services look very different in 2023, major shortcomings still remain.

Watch back our fourth Festival of Ideas event, where we explored how mental health services could meet everyone’s needs more effectively, humanely and equitably.