New Horizons in Mental Health is the new national vision for mental health and well-being in England for 2010 and beyond. Building on the achievements of the National Service Framework for Mental Health (1999-2009), the New Horizons consultation document and supporting literature provide an economic and cultural evidence base for cross departmental, life journey approaches to improving the mental health of the whole population.

The launch of New Horizons provides a significant opportunity to strengthen the focus of strategic regional forums on a mental health promotion and prevention long term strategy.

In October we held four consultation focus groups for people in the North East to discuss and respond to the questions in the consultation document. Some of the key themes arising from the region in response to the consultation are:

• There must be a 'whole person' approach
• The Government needs to take a holistic approach with joined-up policy drivers
• Patients, their families and carers, and front line staff, must be listened to
• There must continue to be a focus on tackling stigma
• Services must be needs-led and co-ordinated

Feedback from our consultation focus groups and emerging themes across the region can be found here.

The New Horizons action programme was published on 7 December 2009 and we will be working with our stakeholders to support its implementation across the region.

Find out more about New Horizons on the Department of Health website.