1 minute read
Foreword
We have made great strides in tackling the stigma associated with mental health problems but there is still a long way to go.
This is particularly the case for many people living with co-existing mental health and substance misuse problems. People with dual diagnosis or other complex needs can be the most vulnerable in society and examples of people being let down by the system, with tragic consequences, are all too common. Social action whether that be volunteering, peer support or community projects can playavitalroleinbuildingpeople’sconfidenceandbreakingdown stigma. It can be an important step on the path to employment. There are some great examples in this report but clearly this is still happening on a relatively small scale. Moving forward we need to support community groups, health and social care services and commissioners to grow social action, recognising thatithasaunique contributiontomakewhichisdifferent,and complimentary to, the support provided by professional-led treatment services.
Luciana Berger MP
Co-chair for the All Party Parliamentary Group for Complex Needs and Dual Diagnosis
People with a dual diagnosis frequently struggle to get the support they need with a range of issues because, too often, services are designed around the needs of the system rather than the individual.
This report includes lots of fantastic examples of people drawing on their own lived experience to support others and of services recognising the valuable role people with lived experience can play in ensuring services are designed around people’s needs. I too would like to see the approaches described in this report happening across the country, across statutory service as well as in the third sector. There is much the statutory sector can learn from the third sector in this space. In order for this to happen leaders across the health and social care system needs to drive change by championing social action and committing resources.
