This discussion paper, published by NHS England, outlines how Clinical Commissioning Groups can achieve parity of esteem between physical and mental health by allocating their resources differently.

Download Parity of esteem: transformative ideas for commissioners

Achieving parity of esteem between mental and physical health services is one of the outcome ambitions set out in the strategic planning framework. It is likely to call for a new approach to commissioning that focuses on outcomes, co-designs services integrated around the user, employs innovative contracting techniques to incentivise provider integration, and evaluates continuously.

The five-year plans that commissioners will lead in the coming months provide the platform for making the ambition of parity of esteem a reality. This discussion paper provides an evidence base, case studies and a guide to transforming, managing, securing and evaluating services.

The infographics below illustrate some of the facts about mental health.