Improving mental health and treating mental illness are two of our biggest public health challenges in Jersey.
We know that:
- one in four people will experience a mental health problem at some point in their lifetime
- more people in Jersey are now receiving treatment
- people receive treatment faster than before
- awareness and understanding of mental ill health has grown
But things could be better. The Mental Health Strategy sets out how we plan to do this, between now and 2021.
Common mental illnesses in Jersey
The most common mental illness for adults is depression and anxiety.
Many other people have mental illnesses connected with drugs and alcohol, and a growing number of people are now living with some form of dementia.
These are major issues, and dealing with them is not going to be easy.
Investment in services
In 2012, the States of Jersey Assembly agreed to provide new investment to fund major changes to the way Health and Social Care is delivered in Jersey.
These changes were described in a report called ‘A New Way Forward for Health and Social Care’.
As a result, between 2013 and 2015, there has already been some new investment in services which address mental health which includes:
- Jersey Talking Therapies
- easier access to alcohol services for Islanders who have issues with alcohol
- access to health visiting for families who need support
Review of all mental health services
As part of the commitment to improving the way health and social care services are delivered in the future, a review of all the services for mental health offered in Jersey was completed during 2015.
The review considered prevention and recovery services, as well as clinical services which assess, diagnose and treat mental illness.
Those involved in the review were asked to consider four main areas:
- public mental health and wellbeing (everyday stresses and strains)
- early intervention (nipping problems in the bud)
- acute intervention (when things get worse)
- recovery and support (helping us cope and return to normal)
The Mental Health Strategy sets out how we will deliver appropriate mental health services to Islanders, no matter what kind of need they have between 2016 to 2021.
Download Mental Health Strategy (size 1.1mb)
Download Mental Health Strategy summary (size 442kb)
Download Mental Health Strategy easy read version (size 297kb)
Prevention of suicide framework
Prevention of suicide priorities have been developed alongside the Mental Health Strategy. This is important as suicide prevention starts with better mental health for all.
A framework for action has been completed and connected with the strategy.
We know that factors that can ultimately lead to suicide are complex; no single organisation, acting alone, can reduce or prevent suicide.
The cross government commitments regarding prevention of suicide are to:
- improve mental health and wellbeing in vulnerable groups
- reduce stigma about suicidal feelings
- reduce the risk of suicide in high-risk individuals
- improve information and support to those bereaved or affected by suicide
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