Policy

Radisson SAS Portman Hotel‚ London W1
Tuesday 8 July 2008

“It feels like I’m invisible now and I think sometimes I don’t get offered services because I’m old”*

Mental health problems are not an inevitable part of ageing and many problems can be prevented or alleviated. Yet a cloud of defeatism often hangs over discussions about older people’s mental health. The mental health conference on 8th July built on the reports from the independent UK Inquiry into mental health and well-being in later life and looked at areas where there are signs of positive change.

Delegates representing NHS trusts‚ government departments‚ local authorities‚ Age Concern and other voluntary organisations enjoyed a conference programme that allowed for plenty of discussion and debate on a wide range of issues relating to mental health.

Stephen Townsend MBE set the scene with an older person's perspective‚ poignantly reminding us why we were there and that‚ ultimately‚ it is the quality of life for individual older people that is at stake. Natalie Penrose gave us a preview of the new Audit Commission research into how local authorities are progressing in promoting health and well-being for older people. Subsequently‚ we were treated to a colourful and cheerful look at the Upstream project in Devon. The final speakers explained that not only is age equality good for mental health‚ it is essential.

The first round of discussion sessions‚ focusing on promoting good mental health‚ emphasized the importance of thinking strategically‚ and taking a long term view. They also covered other issues‚ including the importance of understanding and listening to local people‚ and the relationship between housing‚ neighbourhoods and mental well-being. The next discussion sessions demonstrated that there is good practice in the various settings that we can learn from; success is dependent upon various sectors and disciplines working together.

The day culminated in round-table discussions‚ providing delegates with the opportunity to contribute to the National Dementia Strategy‚ which is currently being consulted upon. Comments will be collated and submitted collectively to the Department of Health.

Presentations from the conference are available to delegates to download. Presentations are password protected.  If you did not attend the conference but would like to access the presentations please contact the Communication Events Team.

*UK Inquiry into Mental Health and Well-Being in Later Life (2007)

Contact us:
Georgina Ewen
Age Concern England
Astral House
1268 London Road
London
SW16 4ER

Telephone:
020 8765 7601

Fax:
020 8765 1366

Email:
Events Department