News Release, 6 April 2001
The inclusion of mental health within the new National Service Framework for Older People (Web version at www.dh.gov.uk/assetRoot/04/07/12/83/04071283.pdf in PDF format), is a step in the right direction according to the Mental Health Foundation.
"We need to acknowledge that mental health is not just a matter for adults of working age, and that it has a huge impact on people's lives. The National Service Framework should go some way to ensuring that we no longer assume that depression in older age should be expected and tolerated, or that people with dementia receive second class services," said Ruth Lesirge, chief executive, Mental Health Foundation.
"What we need to acknowledge now is that mental health is a part of every standard of the national service framework - and this means raising awareness of mental health and providing training to everybody who supports older people."
The Mental Health Foundation has recently launched a new dementia service development project, Dementia Advice and Support Services UK. The project aims to fill a gap in services for the many thousands of people in the early stages of dementia living in their own homes by developing an information, advice and support service that will help individuals make decisions about their own finances, future care and other issues at an early stage. The Foundation is also looking at other initiatives around the mental health of older people, including health promotion.
The Mental Health Foundation is currently developing a web-based learning network to support the implementation of the national service framework's aims of promoting good mental health for people in later life. The learning network is open to everyone concerned including service providers and older people who have experienced or who are experiencing mental health problems.
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For further information and interview requests contact please contact the press office on 020 7803 1105 / 1128 or email the press office
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