Policy watch: implementing the mental health strategy

Purpose - The Policy Watch series reflects on recent and forthcoming developments in mental health policy across the UK. This paper aims to review recent developments in mental health policy including the mental health implementation framework, draft Mandate to the NHS Commissioning Board, and proposals on shared decision making and integration of social and health care. Design/methodology/approach - The paper reviews and summarizes recent developments in national mental health policy in England and their implications for mental health service provision. Findings - The paper outlines several developments which contribute towards the realisation of the mental health strategy, No Health Without Mental Health. Originality/value - The paper updates and discusses knowledge on recent and forthcoming mental health policy initiatives and cites recent evidence from Mind.