England and Northern Ireland policy and law update relating to mental health and intellectual disability
| Published date | 11 May 2012 |
| Date | 11 May 2012 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/20441281211227229 |
| Pages | 144-150 |
| Author | Eddie Chaplin,Laurence Taggart |
| Subject Matter | Education,Health & social care |
England and Northern Ireland policy and
law update relating to mental health and
intellectual disability
Eddie Chaplin and Laurence Taggart
Abstract
Purpose – This article aims to bring readers up to date with policy developments in England and
Northern Ireland in the last two years since the journal first reported on these issues.
Design/methodology/approach – As well as looking at changes to policy and legislation, the paper
highlights not only the differences but also the shared concerns for people with intellectual disability
living in the two countries, e.g. equal access to healthcare as experienced by the general population.
Findings – In spite of shared visions of inclusion and equality in mental health care, there are major
differences in how both countries approach these issues. Recently this has been highlighted by
significant shifts in policy. In Northern Ireland strategies designed to inform the delivery of evidence
based services for the future have been witnessed. Whilst in England there has also been a move
towards public protection within mental health legislation and the reaffirmation of the need to move
towards more individual services. Whilst policy initiatives in both countries have been encouraging; they
need to be implemented so issues such as access to healthcare and geographical disparity are
addressed by local providers.
Social implications – Although there is a desire for change, the realityis that the policies and legislation
introduced to address issues such as accessing mental health care and service standards have still to
make a significant impact to people’s daily lives.
Originality/value – This paper offers an update of current practice and policy relating to mental health
for people with intellectual disabilities in England and Northern Ireland.
Keywords Equality, Inclusion, Intellectual disability, Legislation, Mental health promotion, Policy,
Learning disability, Strategy,Mental health services, United Kingdom
Paper type General review
Introduction
The UK is made up of previously independent countries and has three legal systems.
Although there is a central UK parliament there are local assemblies both in Wales and
Northern Ireland, and a Scottish parliament. This arrangement means that policy and
legislation can differ across the UK. It is over five years since this journals first edition that
presented policy overviews and perspectives from across the UK. This paper updates the
position in England and Northern Ireland only in terms of what is new and what are the
current issues for people with intellectual disability with mental health problems? Although
the two countries laws and policies may be different there are a number of shared problems
faced by people with intellectual disability that exist in both countries, e.g. accessing
equitable healthcare, see Healthcare for All: Report of the Independent Inquiry into Access
to Healthcare for People with Learning Disabilities (Michaels, 2008). In terms of the mental
health needs of the population, the needs of people with intellectual disability are rarely
recognised assessed and appropriately managed considered and as a consequence they
are a marginalised and disadvantaged group who as a result are less likely to seek help
(Giraud-Saunders, 2011). There is little emphasis on promoting positive mental health
and enhancing healthy lifestyle choices. However, recent developments in mental health
PAGE 144
j
ADVANCES IN MENTALHEALTH AND INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES
j
VOL. 6 NO. 3 2012, pp. 144-150, QEmerald Group Publishing Limited, ISSN 2044-1282 DOI 10.1108/20441281211227229
Eddie Chaplin is based at
the Estia Centre, London,
UK. Laurence Taggart is
based at the University of
Ulster, Coleraine, UK.
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