Mental health strategy launched in Scotland

A strategy which aims to improve people’s mental health and well-being has been launched in Scotland.

13 August, 2012 | By The Press Association

 

The issue is one of the top public health challenges in Europe, according to public health minister Michael Matheson.

The Scottish government has 36 commitments in its new Mental Health Strategy for Scotland: 2012-2015.

Mr Matheson said: “In Scotland we are proud of what we have already achieved in promoting rights and recovery, addressing stigma and improving outcomes for people who use services and their carers, ensuring people receive more effective quality care and treatment, more quickly than ever before.

Care home procurement model fails vulnerable children

Parts of the country have a disproportionate numbers of care homes, with local authorities simply accepting what the market offers

The Ridgeway, Mill Hill East, London

Five thousand children and young people are in residential care, costing £1bn a year. Photograph: Sophia Evans for the Guardian

Certain parts of the country, such as Rochdale, have a disproportionate number of care homes – with children coming in from different areas.

The government has promised action on this, saying it will make it harder for councils to send children out of their areas. It has also asked Ofsted, which is responsible for inspecting care homes, to inform the police of care homes in their areas.

The problem has been attributed partly to care homes being situated in cheaper parts of the country because of market forces, as 75% of care homes are run by private companies.

However, this is a symptom of a major failure in procurement of care places by local government. The heart of the problem is that local authorities operate independently, thus preventing any coherent approach to managing the situation and influencing the market.

Norfolk carers invited to apply for £200 grant to pay for education course

Norfolk carers invited to apply for £200 grant to pay for education course

Published on Sunday 12 August 2012 11:00

CARERS could be able to take a course or fitness class thanks to a £200 grant.

The Carers Learning Grant scheme is offering support for people who have been providing unpaid help for an elderly, sick or disabled friend or relative.

The grant, which is administered by Age UK Norfolk on behalf of Norfolk County Council, can be used towards leisure courses such as creative writing or complimentary therapy along with adult education or driving lessons.