EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - Tackling inequalities in mental health

Tackling inequalities in mental health

Introduction

This report examines interventions being implemented in a number of New Deal for Communities areas which are directly tackling the impact of specific mental health issues.

Problem

Mental health is a key area of health inequality and is related to both physical health, and many other factors beside, such as education, employment, environment and community issues, including racism and fear of crime. Other more localised factors such as social capital and social cohesion also have an impact on mental health.

Description

The report

addresses mental health as a key area of health inequality;
focuses on interventions being implemented in a number of New Deal for Communities areas which are directly tackling the impact of specific mental health issues;
presents emerging evidence on key features and outcomes in successful projects; and
includes case studies from Bristol, Middlesbrough and Salford.

Approach

The report covers various approaches:

complementary therapies;
reducing domestic violence;
family support;
lunch clubs;
a therapeutic garden;
an arts project; and
a befriending service.

Results

The report finds that advocacy, support and day care activities, along with other health initiatives such as healthier lifestyles and preventing drugs misuse, all have the potential to impact positively on the mental health of the community.

Beneficiaries

Local people in areas of deprivation, who are affected by mental health problems.

Financing

Funding came from the government’s New Deal for Communities programme. There is a wide range of funding levels reflecting the different scales of individual projects, e.g. £150K over three years for a Halal lunch club; £90K over three years for a locally responsive mental health service; £2,800K - matched by £5,200K from the health service and New Opportunities Fund - for the development of a comprehensive service.

Contact info

School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield
Dr Lindsay Blank (Public health research associate), tel. +44 114 222 0853

Project start date

01/01/2006

Links

School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield Neighbourhood Renewal Unit, Home Office

Tackling inequalities in mental health: the experience of New Deal for Communities (PDF, Eng, 245KB)

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Quality of life

Keywords

Health