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A new approach to mental health
NEW approaches to mental health problems will come under scrutiny at a South Tyneside arts complex this weekend.
Borough health groups, voluntary associations and charities are coming together to mark World Mental Health Day, and highlight a new approach to improving mental health and wellbeing.
'Five a day for health and happiness' will be the focal point of a special event staged at the Customs House in South Shields on Saturday, from 11am to 3pm.
The event will bring together specialists and organisations involved in mental health issues, and includes action workshops looking at ways to improve happiness and wellbeing.
It is designed to build on a recent Government-funded programme that identified a set of key actions to enhance personal wellbeing.
The work highlights that having strong social relationships, being physically active and being involved in learning are all important influences on wellbeing.
From this work, five simple and straightforward actions have been selected as vital behaviour in our daily lives to ensure personal wellbeing.
Dr Catherine Mackereth, public health lead for Mental Health and Wellbeing for NHS South of Tyne and Wear, which includes South Tyneside Primary Care Trust, said: "The health and happiness messages are very strong, and are intended to prompt people to think more about those things in life which are important to their wellbeing, and perhaps should be prioritised in their day-to-day routines.
"The 'five a day for health and happiness' approach embodies these facts, and forms the basis of events and activities that are being held locally in the coming days and weeks."
North East England is estimated to have the highest levels of mental illness – 17.5 per cent, compared to 13.2 per cent in England as a whole.
The relationship between high levels of deprivation and high rates of mental health is well established, with those on lowest incomes experiencing much higher rates of mental illness.
Across the NHS South of Tyne and Wear area there are very high levels of deprivation.
Dr Mackereth said: "Mental health problems can affect anyone at any time, and can affect all areas of a person's life.
"However, those who suffer the greatest are those who are socially excluded and experience material deprivation. Reducing inequalities is therefore vital to any consideration in reducing mental health problems.
"There is already a considerable amount of work going on locally to reduce inequalities, and much of it is taking place in partnership with the local authorities.
"This will be further strengthened as part of the development of a new strategy for emotional health and wellbeing and local action plans."
As an example of the new community development work already under way, to mark World Mental Health Day South Tyneside Primary Care Trust is also developing happiness and wellbeing networks across the area.
These will bring together health organisations and community groups to provide a forum for sharing and developing ideas to help contribute to the local improvement of mental health.
It is intended that the Network will host meetings and events and produce specialist communications and publications.
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Weather for South Shields
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 1 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: West
