RCN welcomes mental health consultation

Published: 23 July 2009

The Department of Health's renewed emphasis on mental health and wellbeing has been welcomed by the Royal College of Nursing, which says it looks forward to working with the Government on new initiatives to bring about improvements.

The comments come as the Care Services Minister Phil Hope launches the New Horizons consultation on mental health and wellbeing. The document aims to improve the mental health of the nation and target the root causes of poor mental health.

RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary Dr Peter Carter says:

"The chances are that everyone knows someone with a mental health issue, yet for far too long mental health has been hidden behind closed doors. Bringing the issue of mental health and wellbeing into the mainstream and making it everybody's business is clearly a step in the right direction."

The RCN says that nurses play a key role in preventing mental health problems from arising in the first place and can help to reduce the stigma which is still associated with mental health problems.

The consultation urges people to connect with family, friends, colleagues and neighbours and to take part in activities such as cycling and gardening. The proposals also suggest allotments, computer training and reading groups could be offered to over-50s to help them maintain good mental health.