Mental Health Strategy Report, Kingston

In April 2017, Healthwatch Kingston Upon Thames produced a report to set out a Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy for the people of Kingston by the people of Kingston 2017 to 2021 (a joint report by Healthwatch Kingston upon Thames, the local authority and local CCG). The strategy covers mental wellbeing for all ages and mental health services and support for adults.

This comprehensive report sets out a strategy which has been co-produced by a large group of people from the Kingston community, those with mental health problems and those without, their friends, carers and parents, as well as health, social care and public health professionals, commissioners, and a wide representation from the voluntary sector and other local organisations including the police. Over 200 people participated in this strategy.

The strategy states ‘The intention is to shift our focus to promoting wellbeing and intervening early with mental health problems to promote recovery. To do this it is imperative that we work in new ways to use the wealth of assets that are already here in Kingston. We also address broader issues such as having a decent place to live, a job, good relationships and a purpose in the community. Making this happen will require cross-organisation and community working and a shared goal to join up support and care’.

This co-production process has been led by a multi-disciplinary steering group using a series of workshops run by Healthwatch Kingston Upon Thames.

The stories and experiences of local people, professionals and voluntary sector groups that has been gathered during the creation of this strategy have built a clear picture of the mental health needs of their local population, and they describe these further in the ‘Themes’ section of this strategy.

Five themes are each considered at length. These are: Improving Mental Wellbeing and Prevention; Early Intervention; Community Connection; Access to Support and Services; Joined up Care and Support.