Spirituality in Mental Healthcare Policy and Practice Issues Hári Sewell Mental Health Equality Lead October 2010

Overview of NMHDU Funded by DH and SHAs to support implementation of mental health policy Seven work areas, including the Equality Programme Ends in March 2011

Current Environment Coalition Administration May 2010 Unprecedented time of austerity Equality Act 2010 – public sector duty - April 2011 Emphasis on single equality approach Emphasis on fairness and equality of opportunity - EHRC

Future Policy on Spirituality and Mental Health Minister announced mental health strategy on 2nd Sept – due in autumn Emphasis included recognising the links between poverty and social exclusion Emphasis on service user outcomes Future strategy on equality will emerge within the context on a new mental health strategy

Indications from the Coalition Coalition Agreement – Title is Freedom Fairness and Responsibility Section 12 entirely devoted to Equality Section 22 on NHS emphasises patients being in control of their treatment and care Efficiency is to be achieved through greater traction – finding solutions to seemingly intractable, resource- consuming challenges

NHS White Paper Title – Equity and Excellence Section 1.3 - “NHS is about fairness for everyone” Continues “…..We are committed to promoting equality”

Conclusions from publications and statements Equality is and will be explicit In the context of the Equality Act 2010 service responses will be in relation to complex identities and multiple discriminations Improvements in outcomes rather than processes will be the priority

Conclusions from publications and statements 2 Efficiency is to be achieved through greater traction – finding solutions to seemingly intractable, resource- consuming challenges Personalisation is a fundamental principle Emphasis on service user defined outcomes

Intersectionality BME groups and religion Religion and gender BME groups, religion and gender

A Recent Overview Study “Studies, particularly those among Muslim and Orthodox Jewish communities, highlighted the fundamental, interwoven aspects of religion on daily life” Report on the findings and outcomes of the community engagement programme 2005-2008 UCLAN 2010

Guidance in the NHS Religion or Belief: A practical guide for the NHS, DH, January, 2009 Guidelines on spirituality for staff in acute care services, NIMHE. 2003 NMHDU website http://www.nmhdu.org.uk/nmhdu/en/our- work/mhep/spirituality/

Some questions Why might staff struggle with exploring spirituality and religion? What is likely to lead to sustainable changes practice? How might responding to spiritual needs save money in real terms?

Hári Sewell hari.sewell@nmhdu.org.uk