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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

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

7. 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

8. 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

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

10. 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
UCLAN 2010

11. 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 work/mhep/spirituality/

12. 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?

13. Hári Sewell