The Early Identification of Co-occurring Alcohol and Mental Health disorders project has been shortlisted as a finalist for the Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH) Health & Wellbeing Awards.
Established in 2007, the RSPH Health & Wellbeing Awards is the UK’s premier awards scheme for promoting health and wellbeing. The awards recognise and celebrate a wide range of activities, policies and strategies that empower communities and individuals, improve the population’s health and address the wider social determinants of health.
The Collaborative project, developed and piloted in partnership with the Alcohol Care Team at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital and Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, is one of three finalists recognised in the Mental Health and Wellbeing category, which focuses on the prevention of mental illness and promotion of mental health across the life course.
The aim is to improve integration of care for patients with alcohol dependence and mental health diagnoses and to avoid people falling between gaps in provision of the two.
The objectives include:
- Early Identification of depression, anxiety and psychosis in people with alcohol use-disorders.
- Greater recognition and referral for treatment of mental health conditions.
- Improved clinical outcomes for alcohol use disorders and mental health conditions.
- Development of a combined assessment tool to monitor progress.
- Exploring and establishing new pathways for mental health conditions in people with alcohol use-disorders.
Margaret Jones, Director of Public Health and Lead Director for the Reducing Harm from Alcohol Programme, said:
“People with co-occurring alcohol dependence and mental illness are some of the most vulnerable in our society and face significant barriers in accessing appropriate services. Less than 20% of alcohol dependent people are accessing treatment services while stigma continues to negatively impact individuals and their families.”
“The project responds to this challenge, is an excellent example of innovation and integrated working, and it is fantastic that the team have received recognition with this prestigious award nomination.”
The awards ceremony will take place in London on Thursday 28th November 2024 with more information available here: https://www.rsph.org.uk/membership/rsph-awards.html
