The ‘Confident Communities, Brighter Futures’ report, published by the National Mental Health Development Unit, offers a systematic evidence base from which local authorities and the NHS can act to reduce inequalities and improve mental health in their areas.
The report brings together for the first time the key evidence, and aims to raise the profile of public mental health within organisations and across communities. By encouraging the inclusion of mental well-being in joint strategic needs assessments, it strongly supports the case for how they link to commissioning priorities in local area agreements.
The report highlights early intervention and prevention through programmes such as psychological therapies, healthy workplaces and initiatives to reduce workplace stress, as well as education and lifelong learning to promote well-being and resilience.