NHS and schools in England will provide expert mental health support

The NHS will work with schools and colleges to make expert mental health support available to a population of more than 470,000 children and young people across England. Read government news here

Serious loneliness spans the adult lifespan but there is a silver lining

Moderate to severe loneliness can persist across adult lifespans, but researchers found it is particularly acute in three age periods: late-20s, mid-50s and late-80s. Wisdom proved a protective factor. Click here to read ScienceDaily article

The Women’s Mental Health Taskforce: Final Report

The Women’s Mental Health Taskforce was formed in response to a rise in mental ill health among women. The taskforce’s final report sets out how women’s experience of mental ill health can differ to men’s Click here for link from King's Fund webpage

Many mental health trusts are too small, says top CEO

Many mental health trusts are “too small” and risk being “left on the side” in system integration plans, a leading chief executive has warned. read HSJ news item here. Contact Library service if you need a password for the full text

Selfless St Andrews student using 21st to highlight mental health issues

A St Andrews student is raising money and awareness of mental health issues after the community was rocked by the tragic death of two of his former schoolmates. Read article here

Puppy therapy to help prisoners with mental health and addiction launched for the first time in the UK

Puppy therapy to help prisoners with mental health and addiction is being offered in the first scheme of its kind in the UK. read newspaper article here

Mental health nurse appointed as ICS trust chief executive

A nurse has been appointed as the new chief executive of a community and mental health trust in one of England’s most advanced health economies. Click here for HSJ news. If you need password please contact the library

Health matters: reducing health inequalities in mental illness

Actions that local areas can take to reduce health inequalities experienced by people living with mental illness. Click here to read Government guidance

Depression, anxiety may take same toll on health as smoking and obesity

Incidence of arthritis, heart disease, stroke -- but not cancer -- strongly swayed by psychological status. Read ScienceDaily article here

Regular trips out guard against depression in old age

New study finds clear link between cultural engagement and lower risk. Read ScienceDaily article here

Internet therapy apps reduce depression symptoms

In a sweeping new study, psychologists have found that a series of self-guided, internet-based therapy platforms effectively reduce depression. Read ScienceDaily article here

Mental health nurses and paramedics to respond together to reduce avoidable hospital admissions

Thousands of Londoners experiencing a mental health crisis will be sent a specialist nurse and a paramedic in a car on blue lights. Read NHS England news here

Study links vitamin D-deficient older adults with greater risk of developing depression

A new study has shown for the first time in Ireland that a deficiency in vitamin D was associated with a substantial increased risk of depression over a four-year follow up period. The findings form part of the largest representative study of its kind. Read ScienceDaily article here

Targeted cognitive training benefits patients with severe schizophrenia

Researchers find that patients with severe, refractory schizophrenia benefit from targeted cognitive therapy, improving auditory and verbal outcomes and the way they process information. Click here for ScienceDaily

Principles for mental health in the NHS long-term plan

The Mental Health Policy Group is pleased to present the following Consensus Statement with partner organisations committed to improving the lives of people with mental health problems. Click here to read NHS Confederation statement

CQC response to the Independent Review of the Mental Health Act

Responding to the Independent Review of the Mental Health Act published today Dr Paul Lelliott, Deputy Chief Inspector of Hospitals (lead for mental health) at the CQC said...to find out click here

CQC to review the use of restraint, prolonged seclusion and segregation for people with mental health problems, a learning disability and/or autism

We will review and make recommendations about the use of restrictive interventions in settings that provide inpatient and residential care for people with mental health problems, a learning disability and/or autism. read CQC new here

The role of volunteers in the NHS: views from the front line

This report was commissioned by Royal Voluntary Service and Helpforce in July 2018. Its intention is to ascertain the perceptions of frontline NHS staff working in acute care about the operational pressures they face, how they understand the roles and value of volunteers and what gaps there are that volunteers could help fill. Read King's Fund report here

Partners of new mums with mental illness set to get targeted support on the NHS

New and expectant fathers will be offered mental health checks and treatment under radical action to support families, NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens announced today (2 December 2018). Click here read article

Youngest Students in Class More Likely to Be Diagnosed With ADHD

August-born children living in states with a school enrollment cut-off date of September 1 are 30 percent more likely to receive a diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), compared with their slightly older peers enrolled in the same grade, according to a new study led by Harvard Medical School researchers. Click here for PsychCentral article