A special briefing produced by the well-being and public mental health programme on the Public Health White Paper Healthy Lives, Healthy People.
This briefing is primarily aimed at NHS, Local Government, Voluntary sector and Private sector agencies working in or interested in the arenas of population mental health, well- being and / or mental health services and those working in and interested in public health and health improvement.
The Public Health White Paper introduces a new approach for public health, with mental health identified as an integral and complementary part of the proposed new direction for public health in England.
The White Paper presents many opportunities to build on the considerable volume of research and practice evidence for the integration of mental health within an overall public health approach. Furthermore the proposed new public health system at both national and local levels also provides considerable opportunities and scope for mental health to be both complementary and central to future local strategies and improved health and wellbeing outcomes for local communities.
The opportunities lie both in ensuring mental health is complementary and integral to overall approaches to improving public health and well-being and also in ensuring that the promotion of the public's mental health and wellbeing is an action and commitment in its own right.
This briefing was produced with the help and support of Dr Lynne Friedli, specialist in the promotion of mental health and wellbeing.