A new training programme developed to improve individuals' mental health care has been approved by the RSPH (The Royal Society for Public Health)

PRESS DISPENSARY - Tuesday, Feb 16, 2010 - The Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) has accredited a new training programme developed to improve the care given to individuals with mental health issues.

Mental health issues are thought to affect 25% of the population in any one year, and are high on the Public Health agenda. Each year, approximately 23,000 people receive psychiatric care away from their local area, which causes great emotional and practical difficulties for them and their families, and can even result in them being lost in the system.

The Mental Health Providers Forum (MHPF) has set up a new approach to the assessment of those in Out of Area psychiatric placements. This Care Pathway Toolkit includes a structured approach to gathering information from the individual about their views on the care they are receiving, their current emotional and physical health and their aspirations with regard to their future treatment.

With Personalisation about to be implemented nationally across all Health and Social Care Services, this provides a very practical approach to ensuring that the views of those in specialist and higher need placements are not overlooked.

"This accreditation from the Royal Society for Public Health shows that our training provides a firm foundation for those who use this new approach," comments Annie Whelan from MHPF.

The course includes case studies illustrating how the toolkit is used, the legislative framework together with safety and risk assessment. The course is suitable for local authority and healthcare staff working with both Out of Area and local rehabilitation care pathways. It is also useful for those wishing to acquire new skills, possibly with the aim of ultimately becoming mental health advocates.

Notes for editors

1. The Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) is an independent, multi-disciplinary organisation, dedicated to the promotion and protection of collective human health and wellbeing. Through advocacy, mediation, empowerment, knowledge and practice, it advises on policy development, provides education and training services, encourages scientific research, disseminates information and certifies products, training centres and processes. A registered charity that enjoys patronage of Her Majesty the Queen, RSPH is the oldest public health body in the world, with over 150 years' experience in its field of protecting and promoting public health. For further information on RSPH accreditation of training programmes, please contact: Anna Zilnyk, Royal Society for Public Health, tel: 020 3177 1624, email: azilnyk@rsph.org.uk , website www.rsph.org.uk

2. The Mental Health Providers Forum (MHPF) is the representative body for voluntary sector mental health organisations working across England and Wales, supporting members to deliver recovery-focussed services. For further information contact Onye Imonioro on 020 7803 1105, email o.imonioro@mhpf.org.uk or visit www.mhpf.org.uk

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