bruised uk

Commissioning guidance on day services for people with mental health problems

ROCR ref Gateway ref: 5658

Title From segregation to inclusion: Commissioning

Author National Inclusion Programme,

NIMHE, CSIP

Description Commissioning guidance on day services for adults with mental health problems

Health and social care services have a key role in tackling the social exclusion that people with mental health problems experience. In 2004, Lord Rooker and I launched the Social Exclusion Unit’s report on Mental Health and Social Exclusion. The report set out the Government’s action plan to improve the health and wellbeing of people with mental health problems through improving access to mainstream community activities and enabling people with mental health problems to gain and retain employment. Being able to access and use mainstream community services like colleges, or arts and sports activities can improve confidence and self-esteem. The opportunity to meet new people and create a network of friends plays a critical role in promoting well-being. We need to ensure that modern day services provide an individualised and flexible service to meet the aspirations of people with mental health problems and, crucially, to provide the support to enable people to achieve these aspirations. A key aim for day services is to promote and facilitate social inclusion. This guidance provides commissioners with a framework to commission day services that promote social inclusion through improved access to mainstream opportunities for people with mental health problems. We will only be able to achieve this if we work in much closer partnership with other agencies and organisations including the voluntary and community sector.

From segregation to inclusion: Commissioning guidance on day services for people with mental health problems