Mental health strategy making 'ongoing progress'

Guernsey's Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy is seeing "ongoing progress" being made, the States says.

In its 2024 annual report, which was released on Tuesday, the States said the development of a mental health and wellbeing services directory was part of work taking place.

The strategy was approved two years ago in collaboration with the States of Guernsey, Primary Care and the charitable sector, and will continue until 2029.

Deputy Marc Leadbeater, Chair of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Technical Team, said he was pleased with the progress highlighted in the first full annual report.

The States said the strategy was made up of four pillars of work, including collating bailiwick datasets, early intervention, service improvements, and responding to recommendations of external reviews.

It said: "Work has begun to develop a directory of mental health and wellbeing services, as well as map an island-wide network of care pathways.

"Once complete, the resources will provide clear and accessible information so residents can better understand how to navigate local mental health and wellbeing services, and understand the support that is available to them.

"Alongside this project, work remains ongoing to develop information and guidance for people to safely access formally accredited private therapy on-island."

The report showed the overall mental health strategy to be 42% complete, with 78% of actions started and 11% of actions completed.

Mr Leadbetter said: "I am very pleased with the publication of the first full annual report on the Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, which highlights our progress made since its launch in September 2023.

"I would like to thank all members of the technical team and supporting officers for their dedication and hard work in helping design and implement the strategy."

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