Global insights on mental health published today

Funded by the Churchill Fellowship and supported by the Mental Health Foundation, the series is based on the findings of 59 Churchill Fellows who researched global best practice in 2016-19. They explored topics on the theme of community-based solutions for mental health. Their findings are grouped under four main headings: Trauma and Adversity; Growing Up and Growing Old; Creativity and Innovation; and Equality and Diversity.

Julia Weston, Churchill Fellowship Chief Executive, said: “This global knowledge exchange with 17 countries by 59 Churchill Fellows is an invaluable resource. We’re delighted to be able to share it for the benefit of everyone with an interest in strengthening mental health across all our communities.”

The Fellows come from a mix of professions with a wide breadth of experience, ranging from clinical psychologists, prison officers and software developers to military veterans and teachers. From their different perspectives, all have a shared common goal: to create a mentally healthier society for all.

This new body of learning suggests innovations that can be applied to community mental health provision in the UK. The findings have important implications for how the NHS, local government and other partners design and commission services and projects to improve mental health in our communities.

Mark Rowland, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation, said: “The Churchill Fellows have done important research into examples of best practice and innovation in other countries, and their work is vital in helping us look at new ways of tackling difficult and under-researched issues.  Although these Fellowship visits took place before the pandemic, this learning is highly relevant to addressing the mental health challenges we now face.”

The new series of podcasts and briefings can be accessed here.