Walsall partners commit to better mental health through the Prevention Concordat

The Walsall Mental Wellbeing Partnership has strengthened its commitment to provide better mental health support in the borough by becoming a signatory of the national Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health. Partners include the NHS Black Country Healthcare Foundation Trust, NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board and the Walsall Together partnership.

The Prevention Concordat, led by Walsall Council’s Public Health team, is underpinned by an understanding that a prevention-focused approach to improving the public’s mental health contributes to achieving a fairer and more equitable society.

The Concordat is also a commitment to improving and promoting good mental wellbeing by fostering collaboration across all levels of the system to support the mental health of the population.

Walsall Multi-Agency Mental Wellbeing Partners have already taken steps to improve mental wellbeing, including publishing and delivering on the 10-year Walsall Multi-Agency Mental Wellbeing Strategy, which focuses on prevention, early intervention, and building community mental health literacy. 

The Multi-Agency Partnership includes a variety of education, housing, social care, health, community and voluntary sector organisations from across Walsall. Together, they continuously assess and intervene early to address mental health needs and incorporate early interventions such as advice and support for debt, employment and housing. 

The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities panel was impressed with the Walsall plan, further supported by the focus on 8 Steps to Wellbeing, which empowers residents to understand how they can improve or maintain their mental wellbeing.

Councillor Gary Flint, Portfolio Holder for Wellbeing, Leisure and Public Spaces at Walsall Council said,

“We are pleased to have become a signatory of the Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health, demonstrating our commitment to addressing, preventing and promoting better mental health for the Walsall population.

“We have made significant progress in improving or maintaining the health and wellbeing of our population. This is evident in delivering our ten-year mental wellbeing plan and developing a local Wellbeing Outcomes Framework. These showcase innovative models of cross-sector collaboration.

“Through continued partnership working, we will deliver on our plans. This commitment is part of our We are Walsall 2040 ambition to promote Walsall being healthy and well.”

Michelle McManus, Director for Integrated Place Based Development at Walsall Together said,

“Walsall Together recognises the vital role that people and communities play in health and wellbeing to live happier lives.

“The signing of the Prevention Concordat is an important step in our journey to support communities to manage their mental wellbeing. We have already begun implementing the Walsall Wellbeing Outcomes Framework, a powerful tool that integrates wellbeing into all partnership activities.

“Together with Walsall residents and our partners, we will continue providing resources and support to improve the borough's mental health.”

Walsall Council is listed as a signatory of the Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health on the GOV.UK website: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prevention-concordat-for-better-mental-health-consensus-statement/prevention-concordat-for-better-mental-health#reasons-to-sign-the-prevention-concordat