The London‐wide Public Health Mental Health Network
| Published date | 01 September 2004 |
| Date | 01 September 2004 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/17465729200400019 |
| Pages | 45-47 |
| Author | Hilary Guite,Jane Scarlett,Gemma Hughes |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care |
Hilary Guite
Consultant in public health
SELPHNet and Greenwich TPCT
Chair of network
Jane Scarlett
Consultant in public health
Kingston PCT
Vice chair of network
Gemma Hughes
Head of policy
London Development Centre
for Mental Health
journal of mental health promotion •volume 3•issue 3 •september 2004 © Pavilion Publishing (Brighton) Ltd 45
The London-wide Public Health Mental Health
Network
ABSTRACT
Public health mental health is an emerging field with significant potential for contributing to improved public health. However there is a
notable gap in support for people working in this field and limited opportunities to influence the public health agenda at a strategic or policy
level. This article describes how the London-wide public health mental health network provides a regional forum for members to share
information, develop measures, databases and protocols, and support professional development. It is hoped that other such regional
networks will be established, as well as sector groups at local level.
Although the Wanless reports signal a renewed
understanding of the importance of public health,
public mental health remains largely absent from the
framework (Wanless 2002; 2003). While there is a
growing literature on the socio-economic determinants
of mental health and well-being, on risk and protective
factors and on the relationship between mental and
physical health, this is inadequately reflected in public
health policy (McCulloch, 2004).
The London-wide Public Health Mental Health
Network was established to strengthen the
development of a public health approach to mental
health across London. The network is for people
working in the NHS in London who are conducting
mental health needs assessments, providing summaries
of the mental health evidence base, evaluating mental
health services and developing mental health policies.
The network is open to all who are involved in public
health mental health, in whatever department they
are based.
The main role of the network is to:
•share information about accessing and use of public
health mental health information
•develop benchmarking data
•develop a database of areas of interest and public
health mental health projects in London
•critically appraise protocols for future pieces of work
and provide peer support in the development of
local mental health needs assessments and profiles
•share frameworks, approaches and knowledge about
public health mental health
•support continuing professional development in
public health mental health by arranging training
sessions on individual topics
•respond jointly to consultation documents
•facilitate peer review audit and peer support.
The network is supported by the London Development
Centre for Mental Health and has its own webpage
(www.londondevelopmentcentre.org). Currently, 52% of
Network
To continue reading
Request your trial