Nurses welcome new strategy for mental health

Published: 08 December 2009

For immediate release: Monday 7th December

Responding to the launch of the cross-government strategy on mental health and wellbeing, New Horizons, Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), welcomed the breadth of vision contained in the strategy. He said:

"Organisations and people often shy away from dealing with mental health issues, however this strategy makes it everybody's business. Bringing mental health and wellbeing into the mainstream is the right thing to do and will help thousands of people each year. This historic and ambitious announcement means that all government initiatives, whether it is building new homes or employing school nurses, must pay attention to the consequences for mental wellbeing. Not only is there a human cost if we do not get this right, but there is an unacceptable cost to the public as well.

"Nurses are often at the forefront in preventing mental health problems, and they can help to reduce the stigma which is sadly still associated with these conditions. We look forward to working with the Government to see initiatives introduced which can improve mental health across the board."

Ends

Notes for Editors

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Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations.