An expert think tank convened by ETHICS in collaboration with London Journal of Primary Care  and GeoLab of the Ionian University of Greece on the integration of mental health promotion into primary care, and its wider ramifications for practice, commissioning , service design and the creation of healthy communities.  The think tank comprises expertise from primary care, public health and psychiatry, community development, clinical practice, commissioning, qualitative and quantitative research, randomised controlled trials, guidelines, training, local, national and international policy.

The rationale for the initiative is the major evidence base for the value of mental health promotion and prevention to human , social and economic capital; the reduction of the global burden of mental disorder; and the timeliness of such considerations in view of the GP commissioning role in Great Britain.

The core principles by which the Think Tank will conduct its  work include the WHO definitions of health  and of mental health,   the public health framework for health promotion and prevention, and the need for parity between mental and physical health."

Facilitators:

Prof Rachel Jenkins, Psychiatrist and Chairman of ETHICS

Paul Thomas (GP), Editor of “Primary care” Journal

GPs and their expertise

Paul Thomas, Integrated Care

Brian Fisher, Engaging Communities

Catherine Millington-Saunders, End of life care lead for London

Tony Burch, formerly RCGP London Chair

Shamini Gnani, Academic & public health trained

Nigel Mathers, Hon. Sec. of the RCGP and author of RCGP paper on integrated care

Lise Hertel, Mental health in primary care lead for Newham

Steve Thomas, Primary Care Commissioner 

Not GPs

Prof. Rachel Jenkins, Psychiatrist

Prof. Fiona Wright, Assist. Director Public Health

Baljeet Ruprah, set up community-based mental health services

Rob White, Occupational therapist, leading redesign of mental health services in Ealing