Memorandum by Shift and the Social Inclusion
Programme
"We endorse the key priorities of MH Promotion,
Prevention, Social Inclusion, Protecting rights and dignity, Better
information and knowledge within the EU Green Paper on Mental
Health Strategy. These priorities correspond to the existing key
objectives of the National Social Inclusion Programme (NSIP) which
co-ordinates the implementation of the actions arising from the
Social Exclusion and Mental Health report undertaken by the Social
Exclusion Unit (SEU, ODPM, 2004; www.socialinclusion.org.uk)
and Shift the national anti-stigma and discrimination programme
(launched in 2004; www.shift.org.uk)
It is essential to integrate mental health into
both general health and non-health policies to address the social
exclusion, stigma and discrimination, experienced by people with
mental health problems. Policies can then meet the needs of the
whole population rather than excluding those whose needs are not
currently met through existing non-integrated policies.
The National Social Inclusion Programme (driven
by the SEU action points) works across traditional boundaries
with a range of government departments to influence policy developments
and raise awareness of the non-health needs of people with mental
health issues such as housing, employment, education, income and
benefits. NSIP also works with traditional partners within the
health field to influence social inclusive outcomes and share
good practice.
Shift works with the media, schools, private
and public organizations to reduce the stigma and discrimination
on mental health grounds. It is a communications driven programme
using a variety of evidence-based methods including: multi-media
communication; strategic campaigning; public events; developing
partnerships; information/educational/training; and research.
People with mental health problems form a core part of our structure.
Addressing mental health within EU strategic
policy objectives is relevant as this would ensure that the objectives
were inclusive but also promote mental health and wellbeing and
influence the prevention agenda within non health related policies.
For example, employer practice can have a large impact upon the
mental health of the staff, with a supportive and flexible environment
having positive mental health outcomes."
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