Major new taskforce launched to chart roadmap for mental health services and priorities over next five years

Major new taskforce launched to chart roadmap for mental health services and priorities over next five years Seize the moment for major improvements in mental health and wellbeing says Stevens

The tide of public opinion is shifting in favour of dramatically improved mental health services, Simon Stevens says as he launches a new taskforce to forge change.

As signalled in the NHS Five Year Forward View, a new Taskforce is being established to develop a new five year national strategy for mental health, for people of all ages across England.

It will explore the variation in the availability of mental health services across England, look at the outcomes for people who are using services, and identify key priorities for improvement. It will also consider ways of promoting positive mental health and wellbeing, ways of improving the physical health of people with mental health problems, and whether we are spending money and time on the right things. It will report later this year.

Service users and experts by experience, alongside families and carers will be involved throughout in the shaping strategy, alongside other stakeholders.

The Taskforce will be chaired by Paul Farmer the CEO of mental health charity Mind and made up of health and community leaders and experts in the field of mental health including specialist doctors, charities, service users and their families. The Vice Chair will be Jacqui Dyer who has a background in adult mental health commissioning as well as community and family social work. NHS England