Introduction
Key contacts and documents
Links
Manifesto



Introduction

This section gives an overview of key policy documents and organisations. If you would like to add your commentary or suggest a new topic please email us..
The Centre for Mental Health is a collaboration of organisations and individuals on areas of accord. Our policy documents define our approach to different subject areas but all have a common aim ö to improve mental health in the UK .

Our Manifesto for Mental Health is our key policy document, defining our approach. Download a copy by clicking this link.
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Key contacts and documents

Department of Health
The aim of the Department of Health (DH) is to improve the health and wellbeing of people in England . Its work includes setting national standards, shaping the direction of health and social care services and promoting healthier living. Ministers work with the Departmental board and clinical specialists to ensure the Department meets its objectives.

Chief professional officers provide expert knowledge in specialist health and social care disciplines. The Chief Medical Officer, Sir Liam Donaldson, provides advice to the Secretary of State for Health, the Prime Minister, health ministers and ministers of other government departments.

NICE
NICE is the independent organisation responsible for providing national guidance on the promotion of good health and the prevention and treatment of ill health.

On 1 April 2005 NICE joined with the Health Development Agency to become
the new National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (also to be known as NICE).

NIHME
NIMHE is responsible for supporting the implementation of positive change in mental health and mental health services. They are part of the Care Services Improvement Partnership . The Department of Health is their main sponsor. There are eight development centres , through which the majority of their work is delivered, and a Mental Health Reearch Network .

NatpaCT
The National Primary and Care Trust Development Programme(NatPaCT) closed on 31 st March 2005 and the website http://www.natpact.nhs.uk/ where PCTs could share information, is no longer being updated. There are 2 new sites at http://www.networks.nhs.uk/ and http://www.primarycarecontracting.nhs.uk/1.php where information and resources are available.

All Party Groups
Parliament has a number of all-party subject groups concerned with a wide variety of subjects. Membership of these groups is drawn from backbench members of all political parties in the House and they provide an opportunity for cross-party discussion and co-operation on particular issues. All-party groups sometimes act as useful pressure groups for specific causes helping to keep the government, the opposition and MPs informed of parliamentary and outside opinion.There are a number of Groups with an interest in mental health http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmparty/memi01.htm

MHRA
The executive agency of the Department of Health protecting and promoting public health and patient safety by ensuring that medicines, healthcare products and medical equipment meet appropriate standards of safety, quality, performance and effectiveness, and are used safely.

NSF
National service frameworks (NSFs) are long term strategies for improving specific areas of care. They set measurable goals within set time frames

The NSF for mental health was launched in 1999, and is a comprehensive statement on how mental health services will be planned, delivered and monitored until 2009. The NSF lists seven standards that set targets for the mental health care of adults aged up to 65. These standards span five areas: health promotion and stigma, primary care and access to specialist services, needs of those with severe and enduring mental illness, carers' needs, and suicide reduction.
National service framework for mental health

COMPACT
The Compact is the agreement between government and the voluntary and community sector in England to improve their relationship for mutual advantage.  http://www.thecompact.org.uk/

Mental Health Law
Mental health legislation sets out the circumstances in which a person can be treated for a mental disorder without their consent and the safeguards they are entitled to. The law currently in force is the Mental Health Act 1983. Guidance on this piece of legislation is available from Click here.

A Draft Mental Health Bill is currently going through parliament. The new Bill aims to provide a modern framework under mental health law. It has become a controversial piece of legislation. See our News section for more details click here
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Links