2.5 Evaluate a local, national or international strategy to promote mental well-being and mental health

This guide will help you answer 2.5 Evaluate a local, national or international strategy to promote mental well-being and mental health.

Mental health and mental well-being influence how people feel, think, and act. Good mental health helps people cope with stress, keep relationships, and live fulfilling lives. In the UK, several strategies promote mental well-being and mental health on local, national, and international levels.

This evaluation will focus on the national strategy “No Health Without Mental Health”. This policy was introduced by the Department of Health in England in 2011 and continues to shape mental health services. It targets improvement of mental well-being, reduction of stigma, and broader access to support.

What Does “No Health Without Mental Health” Mean?

“No Health Without Mental Health” argues mental health is as important as physical health. For a long time, many people ignored or dismissed mental health problems. This strategy states both need equal attention and support.

It laid out six main objectives:

• More people have better mental health
• More people with mental health problems recover
• More people with mental health problems have good physical health
• More people have a positive experience of care and support
• Fewer people experience avoidable harm
• Fewer people experience stigma and discrimination

Elements of the Strategy

Whole-Population Approach

This strategy covers everyone, not only people already receiving care. The idea is to prevent problems before they start, by promoting well-being across society.

Reducing Inequalities

The policy recognises some groups face more barriers to good mental health. For example:

• People living in poverty
• Ethnic minorities
• Older adults
• Young people
• People with disabilities

It asks organisations to provide fair access for all and respond to individual needs.

Emphasis on Prevention

Rather than only responding to crises, the policy highlights early intervention. This involves spotting and supporting issues early, such as in schools or workplaces.

Focus on Recovery

Recovery is not only about removing symptoms. It means helping people build fulfilling lives, keep friendships, work, and take part in community life.

Reducing Stigma

Stigma means unfair attitudes, beliefs, or actions towards people with mental health problems. The strategy promotes anti-stigma campaigns and encourages open discussion.

Better Integration of Services

The policy asks health, social care, education and housing providers to work together. Joined-up care means smoother pathways and fewer people falling through gaps.

What Does This Mean for Health and Social Care Workers?

You play a part in delivering the strategy’s aims. Your work supports people to feel respected, safe, and in control.

Some examples:

• Listening to people’s wishes
• Supporting daily routines and independence
• Connecting people to other services
• Managing risk in a positive way
• Reporting concerns early
• Encouraging social and physical activity

You may also take part in staff training about mental health, or work with families and carers.

Strengths of the “No Health Without Mental Health” Strategy

Clear Focus on Equality

Everyone deserves good mental health. The strategy makes equal opportunities a priority, challenging discrimination in all its forms.

Prevention Over Cure

Supporting people early can stop conditions becoming severe. Early intervention services, such as those in schools, have grown since the strategy began.

Service Integration

By encouraging joined-up working, the strategy reduces confusion and makes care more accessible. For example, physical health checks in mental health clinics spot problems early.

Raising Awareness and Reducing Stigma

Campaigns like “Time to Change” have improved public understanding and encouraged people to seek help earlier. Many people now feel less isolated because mental health is talked about more openly.

Involving People in Service Design

The strategy encourages user involvement, meaning people who have experienced mental health issues help shape services. This creates care that better reflects real needs.

Weaknesses and Challenges in Practice

Funding Pressures

A major criticism is that mental health funding did not always keep pace with ambitions. Services sometimes face long waiting times, high workloads, or lack of specialist staff.

Variation Across Areas

Care quality can depend on where you live, with some areas having more support than others. This is called the “postcode lottery”.

Gaps for Specific Groups

Some people find it harder to get support, such as those from minority ethnic backgrounds or with complex needs. Language barriers or a lack of culturally sensitive care can prevent equal access.

Ongoing Stigma

Though attitudes have improved, stigma has not disappeared. Some people still fear discrimination if they speak up about their mental health.

Joined-up Working Is Not Universal

Integration of services sometimes faces obstacles. Teams may have different systems, targets, or funding. Communication issues can cause delays or confusion for people needing help.

Impact on Individuals and Communities

Service Users

People receiving care benefit from an active focus on recovery and personalised support. For example, someone with depression may receive both counselling and help with exercise or work training. These approaches increase confidence and reduce repeat crises.

Families and Carers

Support for families and carers reduces stress and improves outcomes for everyone. Family sessions, care planning, and advice help people feel less alone when supporting a loved one.

Wider Society

By encouraging people to seek help early, the strategy aims to reduce hospital admissions, job losses, and family breakdown. There are community projects and campaigns supporting people to stay connected and in work or education.

Examples of Local and National Work Inspired by the Strategy

Local NHS Trusts

Many local mental health trusts run recovery colleges where people with mental health problems learn new skills. This supports confidence, employment, and independence.

Schools

Primary and secondary schools now have more mental health support, such as wellbeing lessons, counselling, or staff trained in mental health first aid.

“Time to Change” Campaign

This national campaign, started by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, challenges stigma. It encourages people to speak openly, fight discrimination, and ask for help sooner.

Employment Projects

Programmes help people with mental health needs prepare for or return to work. Support might include CV writing, interview coaching, or flexible hours.

Evaluating Success – What Worked Well?

Reduced Hospital Stays

More people now receive help in the community, not just in hospital. This helps them stay close to family and daily life.

Greater Awareness

More people understand mental health. Workplaces talk about well-being, and children learn coping skills at school.

Early Support for Young People

Mental health services in schools spot problems sooner and give help before bigger problems develop. Early intervention can stop long-term issues.

Better Involvement of Service Users

People who use services are involved in shaping policies. Their voices are heard in planning meetings and reviews.

Areas That Still Need Improvement

Waiting Times

Many people still wait a long time to access mental health services, especially for talking therapies.

Access for Minorities

Some groups are less likely to get the help they need, such as ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ people, or those with a learning disability.

Joined-Up Systems

There are still barriers between physical and mental health care, or between NHS and local authority teams. Better information sharing and joint training can help.

Consistent Funding

Sustainable, fair budgets help services plan long-term and offer better support.

Practical Steps for Workers

You can support the aims of the strategy by:

• Treating every person with respect and dignity
• Helping people make choices about their care
• Encouraging people to build support networks
• Reporting signs of worsening mental health
• Suggesting early help or self-referral to mental health services
• Attending ongoing training
• Working closely with other services

Legislation and Guidance Linked to the Strategy

Several laws and guidelines link to this strategy, such as:

• The Mental Health Act 1983 (amended 2007): Sets out rights and rules for mental health treatment.
• The Equality Act 2010: Bans discrimination linked to mental health.
• The Care Act 2014: Sets out responsibilities for local authorities to promote well-being.
• NICE Guidelines: Give evidence-based advice on mental health care.

Final Thoughts

The “No Health Without Mental Health” strategy marked a big step for mental health care in England. It gave a clear vision—to value mental health equally to physical health, to offer fair access, prevention, and recovery-based support. Many changes followed, including better awareness, less stigma, and more joined-up services.

Not all its aims have been fully met. Some people still face delays, and access for minorities needs improvement. Budgets are stretched in some places, putting pressure on staff and limiting progress.

Health and social care workers remain vital in making these goals real. Everyday actions—listening to people, respecting their wishes, and seeking early support—bring the policy’s vision to life. Learning from what has worked, and aiming for truly equal and high-quality support for all, will help create a healthier, fairer society.