Source · Select Committees · Health and Social Care Committee
Recommendation 39
39
Accepted in Part
Paragraph: 172
Preventing the worst mental health outcomes means first creating the conditions across society that are...
Conclusion
Preventing the worst mental health outcomes means first creating the conditions across society that are conducive to good mental health and wellbeing. We welcome the support provided by the former Minister for Patient Safety, Suicide Prevention and Mental Health to a ‘cross-governmental’ strategy to prevent the worst mental health outcomes for children and young people as well as her recognition that mental health should not be only the concern of the Department of Health and Social Care. The complex, multifaceted nature of the causes of suicide and self-harm necessitates a public health approach to suicide prevention that involves cooperation between Government departments, local government, education and the care sector. Given that self-harm is often used as a coping mechanism for other forms of severe emotional distress, the wider points made on public mental health in Chapter 1 of this Report will also help to prevent it.
Government response summary AI-generated
The government accepts the conclusion in part, planning to launch a public discussion paper to inform a new longer-term mental health strategy, engaging various sectors in a public health approach to mental health.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Paragraph Reference:
172
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government · verbatim extract
Accepted in Part
We accept this recommendation in part. The Department frequently engages other government departments, local government, private companies, and voluntary, charity and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations to ensure that the promotion of children and young people’s mental wellbeing is of the utmost importance. However, the Portfolios of Ministers and Cabinet Committees are the prerogative of the Prime Minister. Following publication of the COVID-19 mental health and wellbeing recovery action plan in March 2021, we have retained the cross-government Ministerial group to monitor progress against the actions listed in the plan, as well as identifying areas for further action and collaboration. Within the plan, we also asked NHS England and NHS Improvement’s (NHSE/I’s) Independent Advisory and Oversight Group to check and challenge its implementation, as well as feeding in ideas and areas for future action. This is key to ensuring the work of government continues to be targeted and impactful.
Read the full response on Parliament ↗