Mental health, do you take it seriously?
Kate Longworth
CEO & Founder Gaia Learning ?? | National Online SEN Alternative Provision - education improving engagement, re-integration & outcomes for #neurodivergent children ??
As a nation we've had years and years, generations of not talking about mental health, so the road we still need to travel is long to establish 'parity of esteem' to physical health. We now understand the importance of talking about mental health to address stigmas, but I think talking about it is just the start, the tip of the iceberg... as well as talking, we need to start doing, sharing and being proactive in understanding how early intervention and prevention is critical.
It's well known, early intervention supports prevention, of any illness. Giving people the right information advice and guidance (IAG) at the right time could prevent someone worsening, or even going to CAMHS. But this appropriate IAG and signposting takes effort, it takes pro-activity and it takes resources.
But prevention is the right thing to do, we are playing a 'long game' here, there are no quick fixes, no overnight cures and medication is not the only answer.
We've ran YouinMind.org for nearly 2 years helping communities to find local and online mental health support, community groups, app's, events and more, so I feel we're experienced in knowing what it takes to make that IAG visible and the signposting solution up to date. To run a directory of services (I hate that phrase, but it's one everyone understands) that is up to date, engaging, adding value and importantly being used by the community and health professionals in it you must be pro-active, not passive, you must prioritise it, not make it an afterthought or an add-on to someone else's job and you must promote it. Twitter, facebook advertising, You Tube, Instagram, schools, colleges. It's an ongoing challenge, it's not easy, but it's rewarding and critically, it's the right thing to do.
So if you find yourself as a mental health commissioner, local authority professional or NHS Foundation Trust colleague questioning your Early Intervention & Prevention Strategy for mental health, talk to us, we can share with you what we know works, doesn't work and can help you to figure out a solution for your challenges and your communities.
Kate Carney - Director
07717 203 763