A key aim of the Equality programme is to move beyond the current focus of work related to Race to offer a broader based equalities service. Our Equalities Lead is Deborah Goodchild.
Delivering Race Equality (DRE)
The DRE programme within the region is in its final year of implementation (09-10) and the business plan provides for the Delivering Race Equality in Mental Health Action Plan 2005-2010 to be embedded within mainstream planning, commissioning and provision for 2009-10 and beyond. The programme includes supporting the effectiveness of the role of Community Development Workers, promoting the involvement of service users and carers from BME communities in the planning and provision of health and social care services, and promoting understanding of the importance of spirituality, religion and belief in mental health care.
CDW... The Story So Far; January 2010
Report from the regional Community Development Worker's conference held on 27th October 2009.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation - Multilingual CDs; January 2010
Progressive muscular relaxation is a technique to relax the body when muscles are tense. CDs, produced by the Primary Care Mental Health Service in Newcastle, with funding from NEMHDU, are now available in French and Farsi. Download the guidance notes and order form here. CDs in Arabic and Urdu will be available shortly.
Spirituality in Mental Health website; December 2009
The Spirituality in Mental Health North East Website forum invites mental health service users, carers, workers, faith community leaders and representatives to learn from each other, develop working relationships and share good practice in spirituality and mental health care.
Community Development Worker DVD; November 2009
View the Community Development Worker DVD here (windows media player downloads):
- Section 1 - Why is the CDW role important?
- Section 2 - Partnerships: community, service user and staff perspectives
- Section 3 - Next Steps - the future
Gender
The gender equality and women's mental health programme will support delivery of priorities identified locally, regionally and nationally, including implementing NICE guidance and Into the Mainstream - which has influenced the priorities for the programme.
The programme includes promoting equal access to services, developing perinatal mental health support, and supporting implementation of the national policy on violence and abuse.
National Information
The national mental health equalities website brings together a range of national programmes that focus on equality in mental health.