31 July 2009
The role of the mental health helpline
"In today's economic climate it is more important
than ever to strengthen the mental health support services
available to members of the public."
Fiona Kerr, Chief Executive of mhhp (Mental Health
Helplines Partnership)
It is widely recognised that one in four people experience some
kind of mental health problem in their lives. The recession will
have even more impact on people's mental health. While people are
suffering materially from the economic downturn, the harm to the
population's psychological well-being is even greater due to the
fear of job loss and financial worries. The demand for mental
health services is already rising with pressure mounting on the NHS
to provide appropriate services to meet the demand.
With the drive for world-class commissioning and the renewed
emphasis on prevention in the 'New Horizons' review of the National
Service Framework, commissioners in PCTs and other NHS Trusts and
local authorities throughout England need to take a fresh look at
how helplines can complement their other community mental health
services.
Helplines play a vital role in being able to support and improve
the lives of those experiencing mental health issues along with
their families, carers and the general public. Traditionally
support has been available through telephone helplines but now
other methods of contact are available through texting, email and
of course websites.
The emergence of the Mental Health Helplines Partnership (mhhp)
as a major strategic force has added momentum to the process. It is
an independent charity that works in partnership with the providers
of mental health helplines in England.
We have been working with mhhp to raise its profile and motivate
mental health helplines to become members. Our aim is to develop
communications, highlight the important role helplines play,
improve the flow of information and ultimately provide better
integration amongst members and the key stakeholders.
We have embarked upon a long-term partnership with mhhp which
has been initiated by refreshing the brand identity and developing
the Annual Report which was launched at its first AGM in July. A
new website that will become the central hub for the mhhp member
community is also in development. It will be a tool that members
can use to share knowledge, access business support, interact,
purchase training materials and learn from – it will also act as a
signpost to the general public.
Without care and treatment, mental health problems can have a
serious affect on individuals and those around them. The valuable
role played by mental health helplines particularly in the current
climate, can not be underestimated.