Driving change to put mental health in all policies

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Centre for Mental Health news


** August 2020
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Hello from Andy!Andy Bell
Dear Friends,

It’s been a very unusual summer for all of us and at Centre for Mental Health we’ve been working hard to support better mental health for all throughout.

As the pandemic continues to dominate many of our lives, we’re asking anyone who wants to share their experiences of this year to become a part of our exciting writing project, A Year in Our Lives ([link removed]) . Whether you want to write a story about your experience or a poem, we want to hear from you. We’ll soon be publishing the first few pieces we’ve received on our new and improved website ([link removed]) .

We published some significant new reports in August, including a look at how local councils across the country are supporting mental health in their communities ([link removed]) and a report on children’s mental health ([link removed]) in rural and coastal communities. They both remind us how important it is to protect and promote the public’s mental health.

We also raised major concerns about the lack of understanding about mental health in the UK Government’s obesity strategy and its decision to replace Public Health England. With growing evidence about the effects of the pandemic on our mental health, it’s more important now than ever that leaders put the public’s mental health first.

This month we will have more new reports, a new Writer in Residence, and more views to share through our blogs and videos. Stay tuned for more to come.

Andy
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The space between us: children's mental health and wellbeing in isolated areas ([link removed])

Living in rural and remote areas can create distinct challenges for children’s mental health.

The space between us explores evidence about the mental health and wellbeing of children living in isolated communities across the UK.
The report calls for action to boost children’s mental health in rural and coastal areas.

Download the report ([link removed])

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Our place: local authorities and the public's mental health ([link removed])

Mental health is interwoven with many other policy agendas – including housing, employment, social inclusion, economic development, and safety.

Our place examines the initiatives of local councils that are rising to the challenge of promoting good mental health and preventing poor mental health in their communities with innovative approaches and strategies.

Download the report ([link removed])
Responding to the Government's new "tackling obesity" strategy
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Following the announcement of the Government’s new obesity strategy, author and campaigner Hope Virgo has written an open letter calling on Government to rethink potentially damaging policies such as adding calorie labels to menus.

Read the letter ([link removed])
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Sarah shares her personal experience of healthy weight management and explains why we're concerned that the Government's proposals could be both ineffective and psychologically damaging.

A Year In Our Lives
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We are really grateful for all the fantastic responses we've received so far for our creative writing project and we can't wait to begin publishing them. If you haven't sent us your piece yet, don't fret - there's still plenty of time for you to get involved.

We're collecting your accounts of the pandemic to build a picture of how this year has impacted us emotionally. What has helped you cope during these uncertain times? Tell us about your experience in lockdown and what this year and its dramatic changes have been like for you. Remember, you can contribute in poetry, prose or any other written form. You can find lots more information about the project
here ([link removed]) .

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David Gilbert, one of our Expert Advisors for A Year In Our Lives, shares some poetic inspiration based on his lockdown experience.
Blogs
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On a journey: policing and mental health ([link removed])
Matthew Scott shares his role in raising awareness of mental health issues as a Police and Crime Commissioner

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Which way forward? Getting a 'fair deal' from the Government's obesity strategy ([link removed])
Louis explains the Centre's concerns about how the new proposals could affect people with mental health problems

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Help us support those at the frontline of this mental health crisis ([link removed])

We know that the coronavirus pandemic is a physical health emergency on a global scale, such as we have never seen in our lifetimes. But it is also a mental health emergency. Our high quality, evidence-based research, evaluation and policy advice has never been more important during this time of uncertainty. Now more than ever, your support is so valuable.

Support us today ([link removed])
News
* More support needed for children's mental health in rural areas, says Centre for Mental Health report ([link removed])
* Government action is crucial to meet rising mental health need, says Centre for Mental Health ([link removed])
* Open letter: calorie labelling on restaurant menus will be both ineffective and psychologically damaging ([link removed])
* Benefit sanctions should be removed to boost mental health of people seeking employment ([link removed])
* Urgent investment needed to boost mental health recovery ([link removed])

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We hope you've enjoyed hearing about our work bringing equality for mental health closer.

We'd love to hear your feedback and suggestions for this newsletter and our digital presence - drop me an email at ** [email protected] (mailto:[email protected] )
.

Best wishes,

Alethea Joshi
Digital & Communications Lead
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