The introduction of the Mental Health Act 2007 was a significant step in helping to provide better care and services for people with mental health problems. However, certain aspects of the legislation, like Community Treatment Orders (CTOs) that have only recently been implemented, have led to new challenges for mental healthcare providers and practitioners. The former mental health regulator, the Mental Health Act Commission, published a report in April entitled Coercion and Consent: Monitoring the Mental Health Act 2007–2009 that outlined various areas where improvements are needed. The consequence of these deficiencies has helped lead to tragic cases like Peter Byran; a person with mental health problems who committed murder while being cared for in the local community. Ensuring these issues are addressed is critical not only to raise the standard of care for those with mental health problems but to help better protect the general public.

The Issues

Throughout the day delegates will have the chance to engage with the panel, investigating key issues such as:

• Role of CTOs – strengths and weaknesses
• Reviewing the effectiveness of community mental health teams
• Raising the number and quality of mental health practitioners – role of recruitment,
• training and retention
• Forming more effective partnerships between care providers, local authorities and
• other statutory agencies
• Ensuring protection for the public
• Implications of the New Horizons strategy

Confirmed Speakers Include:

• Simon Lawton Smith, Head of Policy, Mental Health Foundation
• Tony Earp, Chair, Care Programme Approach Association
• Dr Claire Henderson, Head of Community Mental Health, KCL
• Caroline Reeves, Manager, Woodleigh Community, Inmind Adult Mental Health Services
• (Chair) Jim Symington, Deputy Director, NMHDU

Objectives and Outcomes

The morning of this Policy and Practice Briefing will provide delegates with a forum to consider the strengths and weaknesses of the current legislation and consider the challenges faced by mental health care practitioners. Participants will also discuss the way forward in community health care and examine what more needs to be done to ensure the highest standards of care for patients as well as protection for the public. Delegates will gain a comprehensive view of current issues and thinking.

The afternoon will investigate successful examples of delivering effective mental health services locally and offer practical solutions to the challenges faced by mental healthcare practitioners. Delegates will gain ideas and insights to take back to their organisations and roles.

Who should Attend?

Mental health, social care and equality officers from local authorities; councillors and cabinet members; local, regional and national mental health services; relevant central government departments and bodies; mental health professionals and practitioners; mental health NGOs and charities; and anyone interested in mental healthcare in the community.

More details and register here.