Centre for Mental Health

Recent reports

More than the sum of our parts: an evaluation of local mental health alliances.


The voluntary sector plays a vital role in supporting people with mental health difficulties. Yet, insecure funding and a lack of meaningful collaboration can inhibit voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations from providing the mental health support that people depend on. This report explores how bringing together local stakeholders – including VCSE organisations, NHS commissioners and providers of health and social care, and experts by experience – can lead to more effective and equitable support for people living with a mental illness.

CentreforMH_MoreThanTheSumOfOurParts.pdf (centreformentalhealth.org.uk)

A dual crisis: the hidden link between poverty and children’s mental health


This report explores the impact of poverty and benefit conditionality on families’ mental health. Based on research with parents and children, and a review of the evidence, it finds that money and mental health are inextricably linked; not having enough money leads to parental stress and guilt, which has a knock-on impact on children over the course of their lives. And with rates of poverty twice as high among Asian and Black families than white families, some children are ‘overexposed’ to the dual risks of poverty and poor mental health.

CentreforMH_ADualCrisis.pdf (centreformentalhealth.org.uk)

Public Health

Current Awareness

Source: KnowledgeShare

Menstrual education programs for girls and young women with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A systematic review. [Abstract]
Randall KN. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities
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[Nine studies were included. All reported significant improvements in participant skills and/or knowledge following the intervention. Only one study addressed self-agency and self-esteem as an outcome of the intervention. Further research is needed to understand the impact of menstrual health and hygiene education on variables apart from skill improvement such as self-agency and long-term health outcomes related to menstrual health.]

Community health services explained.
The King’s Fund; 2024.
https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/insight-and-analysis/long-reads/community-health-services-explained
[Compared with other parts of the NHS, community health services are often poorly understood by policy-makers, national and local health service leaders, and staff working in other parts of the system, and have not always received the same national profile as the rest of the NHS. The way these services are structured and delivered is complicated, and as a result, data about them is hard to aggregate. In this explainer we outline what we know about community health services in England.]

Pre-existing sleep disturbances and risk of COVID-19: a meta-analysis.
Zhou J. eClinicalMedicine 2024;:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102719.
[Sleep disturbances are widespread but usually overlooked health risk factors for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Pre-existing sleep disturbances, especially OSA, increased the risk of COVID-19 susceptibility, hospitalization, mortality, and long COVID. Age and sex played important roles in the effect of sleep disturbances on COVID-19.]

First episode psychosis caregiver perspectives on motivational interviewing for loved ones training: A qualitative study. [Abstract]
Ipekci B. Early Intervention in Psychiatry 2024;18(7):553-560.
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[BACKGROUND: Past research has found that family involvement in psychosis treatment leads to better patient outcomes. Thus, caregiver communication skills training can be a viable approach to reducing caregiver stress and increasing self-efficacy and communication.]

Sign up to KnowledgeShare for personalised evidence direct to your inbox:(please send back to academic.library@lscft.nhs.uk)

National Bereaved Parents Day

Today, on National Bereaved Parents Day, we honour and remember parents who have experienced the unimaginable loss of a child. This day serves as a reminder of their strength and the importance of offering support and understanding. Our library offers a quiet space for reflection and a selection of resources to help navigate this difficult journey.

Alcohol Awareness Week

Alcohol Awareness Week is here, offering a chance to reflect on our drinking habits and their impacts. This week highlights the risks of alcohol misuse and promotes healthier choices.

Learn and Share: Educate yourself about alcohol’s effects and share with others.

Promote Alternatives: Encourage non-alcoholic social activities.

Seek Help: Reach out if you or someone you know needs support.

Let’s use Alcohol Awareness Week to make positive changes. Visit our library for helpful resources.

Exercising your voting rights this General Election

Everyone has the right to vote, including people with mental illness. Voting empowers individuals and influences policies that affect mental health services. Let’s support accessible voting for all, ensuring every voice is heard.

Anyone working in a mental health service with people over 18 can help ensure that their clients, patients and service users are able to vote in this General Election. Simple adjustments, conversations, reassurance and support can make a big difference.

Learning Disability Week 2024

Learning Disability Week 2024 is a time to celebrate, educate, and advocate for the rights and inclusion of individuals with learning disabilities. This year’s theme, “Do you see me?” is about challenging the barriers people with a learning disability face.

This week offers an opportunity to break down barriers, share stories of resilience, and promote understanding. By raising awareness, promoting inclusive education and workplaces, and supporting advocacy, we can create a world where everyone feels valued and included.

Let’s use Learning Disability Week 2024 to foster positive change and greater understanding. Together, we can make a difference.

Learning Disability Week 2024 | Mencap

Enhancing Lives Through Knowledge: Our New Dementia Collection

We are thrilled to announce the addition of a comprehensive Dementia Collection to our library! This new resource is designed to support individuals, families, and caregivers who are navigating the challenges of dementia.

What You Can Find in Our Dementia Collection:

Educational Books and Guides: Learn about the latest research, treatment options, and caregiving strategies from leading experts in the field.

Personal Stories and Memoirs: Gain insight and empathy through the experiences of those living with dementia and their loved ones.

Activity Resources: Discover activities and programs tailored to engage and support cognitive function for individuals with dementia.

Support Resources for Caregivers: Find practical advice and emotional support to help caregivers manage their responsibilities and well-being.

Visit our library today and start discovering these vital resources. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those touched by dementia.

The King’s Fund Bulletin

The King’s Fund has released their latest Health and Wellbeing bulletin, packed with essential updates on healthcare trends, policies, and research. This bulletin is a must-read for anyone interested in staying informed about the latest in health and wellbeing.

Make sure you subscribe to the blog to stay up-to-date with current awareness.

Health and Wellbeing Bulletin (kingsfundmail.org.uk)

Mental Health, Learning Disability and Autism Bulletin

The latest edition of the Mental Health, Learning Disability, and Autism Bulletin is now available! Stay updated with the latest insights and developments in these vital areas.