Today’s blog was written by Rachel Howard, Assistant Psychologist at Headspace Guildford.
What has happened so far in 2023? Today’s blog from Headspace Guildford covers some of the policy changes related to mental health and wellbeing which have happened over the past 7 months. It covers docs published by the government between January to July.
All this information can get very overwhelming and confusing to read so here is a bullet-point summary of what has happened so far in 2023.
- Schools: guidance for schools to support the mental health of their pupils
- Individuals with disabilities: reforms to support people with SEND, learning disability and autism training for staff, the government is currently seeking views on the proposed Disability Action Plan
- First aid: a bill is being discussed for mental health first aid
- Work force: successful program to recruit care volunteers and better digital platforms in social care settings.
- General: ban on conversion therapy, a boost to funding for mental health services, policy paper and campaign on the importance of being physical, victims placed at heart of justice system, updating of the Mental Health Act.
A more extensive timeline:
January:
- 17th January: Government announces ban on conversion therapy
- The government has announced a ban on conversion therapy, a bill has not yet been passed detailing this.
- 23rd January: Mental health services boosted by £150 million government funding (Press Release)
- 31st January: Reforming the Mental Health Act (Research Briefing)
February:
- 2nd February: The impact of body image on mental and physical health: government policy response (Policy Paper)
- 7th February: Mental health issues affecting pupil’s attendance: guidance for schools (Guidance)
- 9th February: Thousands of families to benefit from local support in rollout of Family Hubs (Press Release)
- 23rd February: Mental health and policing: letter from the Home Secretary (Correspondence)
March:
- 2nd March: Transformational reform begins for children and young people with SEND (Press Release)
- 13th March: Mental health policy in England (Research Briefing)
- 14th March: First-Aid (Mental Health) Bill (Parliamentary Bill)
- This is currently being debated (in the House of Commands)
- https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3409
- 15th March (updated; originally published 20th July 2021): Shaping future support: the health and disability green paper (Consultation Outcome)
- 21st March: Civil news: mental health work change for tribunal appointments (News Story)
- 29th March: Victims placed at heart of justice system under radical shakeup (Press Release)
April:
- 4th April (updated; originally published 20th August 2017): Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health: consensus statement (Policy Paper)
- 24th April (updated; originally published 2nd June 2021): Senior mental health lead training (Guidance)
May:
- 10th May (updated; originally published 3rd May 2017): Mental health data and analysis: a guide for health professionals (Guidance)
- 14th May: New Every Mind Matters campaign encourages public to get physical (Press Release)
- 15th-21st May: Mental Health Awareness Week
- This years theme was anxiety
- 17th May (updated; originally published 12th April 2022): Mental health and wellbeing plan: discussion paper and call for evidence (Consultation Outcome)
- 17th May: Guidance to support digital transformation of social care (Press Release)
June:
- 7th June: Successful NHS Programme to recruit care volunteers (Press Release)
- 12th June: Safe Care at Home Review (Policy Paper)
- protections and support for adults abused, or at risk of abuse, in their own home by people providing their care
- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/safe-care-at-home-review
- 15th June: NHS Mandate 2023 (Policy Paper)
- Objectives for 2023 onwards
- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nhs-mandate-2023
- 27th June: Oliver McGowan draft code of practice (Open consultation)
- Ensure all staff receive learning disability and autism training appropriate to their role
- https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/oliver-mcgowan-draft-code-of-practice
- 28th June: Visiting in care homes, hospitals and hospices (Open Consultation)
July:
- 18th July: Disability Action Plan 2023 to 2024 (Open Consultation)
- 22nd July: Government response to the independent Pregnancy Loss Review (Policy Paper)
- Short term immediate actions to take place
- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/government-response-to-the-independent-pregnancy-loss-review
- 22nd July: Women’s health hubs: information and guidance (Guidance)
- 22nd July: Women’s health hubs £25 million transformation fund
We at Headspace Guildford look forward to seeing what steps will be taken in the final months of 2023!