Wednesday 8th May · Online

The Mental Health Services Conference 2024

About this event

The NHS’s Mental Health Services face an intricate challenge of balancing workforce demands, service referrals, and ensuring effective treatments. The Government’s commitment of £150 million investment towards strengthening mental health services by April 2025 brings some hope and anticipation. However, with opportunities come challenges, some old, such as service referrals continuing to rise year-on-year while services are already under strain. And some new, that will require strategic thinking, collaboration, and innovation to ensure the sector continues to deliver high-quality services for all.

  • In 2021-22, the NHS saw a departure of 17,000 mental health staff, which is 3000 more than pre-pandemic levels (Public Accounts Committee, 2023)
  • From 2016-22, there was a 22% growth in the NHS mental health workforce. Yet, during that timeframe, service referrals surged by 44%. (Public Accounts Committee, 2023)
  • In 2022, 39% of recipients of talking therapy believed it moderately benefited their mental wellbeing (Nuffield Trust, 2023)

Join us at the Mental Health Services Conference 2024 to gain insights into the latest initiatives, challenges, and best practices in adult mental health services. The conference will address key challenges including managing backlogs, creating a resilient workforce, and delivering services on tight budgets. Gain the opportunity to network with senior colleagues from across the sector to discuss challenges and help implement innovative solutions.

Why Attend:

    ✓ Engage with high-calibre keynotes on the latest trends, challenges, and initiatives in the Mental Health Services domain
    ✓ Case studies showcasing innovative approaches and solutions in mental health care
    ✓ Networking opportunities with professionals from a range of sectors
    ✓ Gain 8 hours of CPD points towards your yearly quota

For more information or to make a booking please call 0330 058 4285

120+ ATTENDEES
10 + SPEAKERS
8+ HOURS OF CPD CONTENT

Agenda

8th May 2024

09.00

Online Registration

09.50

Chair's Opening Remarks

Richard Byng, Professor in Primary Care Research and PenARC Deputy Director, University of Plymouth (CONFIRMED)

10.00

Keynote: The Current Landscape and Obstacles in Mental Health Care

  • How to address workforce/workload
  • How to respond to increasing numbers of young people seeking help
  • Whether to run needs based or diagnosis based services
  • How to create a ‘balanced mental health system which addresses inequality
  • How to move to a less risk averse culture.

Richard Byng, Professor in Primary Care Research and PenARC Deputy Director, University of Plymouth (CONFIRMED)

10.20

Lived Experience: Grasping and Tackling the Hurdles Faced by Those Dealing with Mental Health Challenges

Benjamin May, Founder and Global Lead, The New Normal Charity (CONFIRMED)

10.40

Questions and Answers

11.00

Comfort Break

11.15

Case Study: Transforming Crisis Support Through Digital Tools to Provide Accessible Support

  • Implementing a text-based mental health service to effectively provides crisis support
  • Utilising large-scale conversation data to gain insights and shape mental health support strategies​​​​
  • Addressing how digital platforms can reach and support marginalized and young populations
  • Improving the quality and effectiveness of digital mental health interventions​​​

Victoria Hornby, CEO, Mental Health Innovations (CONFIRMED)

11.35

Case Study: Integrating Lived Experience for Enhanced Care Delivery

  • Identifying the value of lived experiences in mental health and how they can inform service design
  • Strategies for effective collaboration between service users and professionals
  • Utilising innovative service models developed through the integration of lived experiences
  • Harnessing public awareness campaigns to normalise and encourage mental health discussions

Sophie Howell, Head of Service User Leadership, Together for Mental Wellbeing (CONFIRMED)

11.55

Case Study: Coproducing improved mental health acute inpatient discharge using a Systems Approach: MINDS study’

  • Aims and objectives of the coproduced MINDS study
  • Project overview, including when discharge works best plus the value of integrating lived experience perspectives and embedding meaningful involvement
  • Development and refinement of the co-designed solutions
  • MINDS ‘Onwards Approach’ to discharge planning: onwards planner, carer/supporter planner, gradual leave, goodbye postcards, mini teams, and team holding
  • Current progress, insights and next steps

Sarah Rae, Lived Experience and PPI Co-Lead, National Priorities in Mental Health programme, National Institute for Health and Care Research, and Co-Founder, PROMISE (CONFIRMED)

12:15

Questions and Answers

12.45

Lunch Break

13.25

Keynote: Tackling Mental Health Inequalities and Ensuring Universal Access

  • Addressing systemic disparities across different communities, including socio-economic, racial, and cultural factors
  • Identifying the multi-faceted challenges marginalised communities encounter, from stigmatisation to lack of culturally sensitive services
  • Creating a successful collaborative programme with local organisations and the NHS to improve access and offer tailored services
  • Ensuring comprehensive, intersectional strategies that understand and respect the nuances of different communities
  • Strategic initiatives to bridge the mental health service gap, ensuring equitable and inclusive care for all

Andy Bell, Chief Executive, Centre for Mental Health (CONFIRMED)

13.45

Case Study: Empowering Maternal Mental Health Through Community Engagement and Support

  • Approaches to integrating maternal mental health services with community hub developments to enhance accessibility and support for mothers and families
  • Developing and delivering maternal mental health services, focusing on person-centred, strength-based approaches
  • Introducing prototype link work services in four Integrated Care Partnership areas, demonstrating the impact of community knowledge and innovation in supporting maternal well-being
  • Sharing insights from the comprehensive framework to drive continuous improvement and future commissioning

Ang Broadbridge, VCSE Maternal Mental Health Services Project Manager, Ways to Wellness (CONFIRMED)

14.05

Questions and Answers

14.25

Breakout Networking: Navigating Mental Health Challenges to Improve Services

This session will provide you with the opportunity to delve deeper into the multifaceted challenges you encounter. Engage in open dialogues, share personal and professional experiences, and uncover innovative solutions.

14.55

Comfort Break

15.10

Case study: Designing Comprehensive Crisis Support and Ensuring Follow-Ups

Adam Crampsie, CEO, Everyturn Mental Health (CONFIRMED)

15.30

Case Study: Crafting and Executing a Resilient Mental Health Plan to Address Elevated Suicide Rates

Ruth du Plessis, Chair of The Suicide Prevention Partnership Board and Director of Public Health, St Helens Borough Council (CONFIRMED)

15.50

Questions and Answers

16.10

Chair’s Closing Remarks

Programme subject to change without notice

8th May 2024

Secure Your Place

Testimonials from the Mental Health Services Conference 2023

The event generated a wealth of ideas to improve service delivery and inspired me to think outside the box – District Service Manager, Hampshire County Council

The guest speakers were brilliant and gave some fantastic insights into workforce development across MH roles and pathways and some key highlights of successes in MH transformation projects – Personalised Care Operations Manager, Kirklees Council

Some experience of mental health professionally and personally and interested in co production and the advantages of this to deliver a quality, person centred service. The speakers really delivered on this and I have taken lots away to reflect on service delivery within my organisation – Advanced Customer Support Senior Leader, Department for Work and Pensions

For more information or to make a booking please call 0330 058 4285

Exhibition

Get Involved – Partnership Opportunities

For further information on speaking, sponsorship or visibility opportunities, and to discuss how you can maximise the value of your involvement, please contact 0330 0584 285 or email emily.hall@thementalhealthconference.co.uk

Contact and Information

Pricing

  • Public Sector: £449.00+VAT
  • Private Sector: £649.00+VAT
  • Voluntary Sector: £379.00+VAT

For more information or to register your interest in this event, please contact us using the details below:

Emily Hall, Event Manager

Email: Emily Hall

Tel: +44 (0)330 058 4285

Event Format

What to expect:

  • Access a full live event with 8 hours of CPD points
  • Network and connect with colleagues in breakout networking sessions
  • Interact with speakers through live Q&A and networking
  • Review event materials and presentations post-event
  • Receive additional resources to boost your learning and support you in your role

For more information about this online event, please contact Emily Hall

Organised by Government Events
Copyright © 2026 Professional Development Group Website by Burn Media