Publications
Association of Mental Health Providers' publications, reports, guides and briefing papers are available here. All PDFs of the published work can be downloaded for free.
Mental Health Social Care: The Missing Piece in Policy Reform
Naomi Graves
Published: August 4, 2026
Mental health social care is not merely an adjunct to health services. It is a distinct and foundational part of how society supports people living with mental illness, deep distress or complex psychosocial needs. It seeks to enable people to live full and meaningful lives in their communities, not just to treat symptoms but to…
Read moreResponding to the Mental Health Strategy for England Call for Evidence: A Practical Guide for our Members
Naomi Graves
Published: June 24, 2026
The Government’s call for evidence on the new Mental Health Strategy for England is looking for practical examples of what helps people stay well, access support earlier, avoid crisis, and live well in their communities. Mental health charities are uniquely placed to provide this evidence. Across the country, charities are already delivering the kind of…
Read moreNeighbourhood Mental Health Centres Pilot Programme
Naomi Graves
Published: June 18, 2026
Early learnings from the VCFSE Sector, to inform the development of Neighbourhood Health The NHS 10-Year Plan, Fit for the Future, sets out three priority strategic shifts for health and care in England: towards neighbourhood-based care, prevention, and digitisation. The Neighbourhood Mental Health Centre pilot programme (also known as Community Mental Health Centres) sits squarely…
Read moreCharity Commissioning Charter
Naomi Graves
Published: June 11, 2026
The current commissioning climate isn’t working. We need a step change towards more equitable, mutually beneficial working practices between commissioners and Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) mental health service providers. Where commissioners and providers can work together to ensure that local need is met by the right services in the most effective way.…
Read moreInquiry into Children and Young People’s Mental Health – Summary of Our Key Recommendations
Naomi Graves
Published: April 17, 2026
In February 2026, the Health and Social Care and Education Committees launched an inquiry into children and young people’s mental health, exploring the mental health support available to children and young people in community, health and education settings. As the national voice of over 300 mental health charities in England and Wales, we represent approximately…
Read moreThe Fair Pay Agreement - A Summary Briefing
Association of Mental Health Providers
Published: February 3, 2026
The Fair Pay Agreement (FPA) is one of the most significant reforms to adult social care in a generation. The Association of Mental Health Providers strongly supports its ambition to improve pay, workforce retention and long-term stability across the sector. However, in our response to the consultation, we were clear that for mental health and…
Read moreImproving Mental Health Care and Support
Ella Dunthorne
Published: October 8, 2024
Ahead of the parliamentary debate taking place on World Mental Health Day, 10 October at 1:30pm, we have published a new briefing with key recommendations for MPs. We are urging MPs to prioritise the nation’s mental health and the critical role of the VCSE (Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise) sector in delivering mental health care…
Read moreTackling inequalities faced by minority groups in mental health through the Personalised Care Programme
Ella Dunthorne
Published: October 8, 2024
People from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities living with poor mental health and/or illness encounter barriers in accessing personalised mental health care, including Personal Health Budgets (PHBs), which are crucial for their safety and recovery. The Tackling Inequalities in Mental Health through the Personalised Care Development Programme is a partnership between the Association of…
Read moreReserved: The Importance of Financial Reserves in Building Resilience in Mental Health Charities
Ella Dunthorne
Published: August 29, 2024
In recent years, the combination of the COVID-19 pandemic and rising operational costs has significantly impacted mental health charities, leading to a sharp increase in demand for their services while simultaneously causing a decline in overall income. This briefing paper explores the current state of charity reserves in light of these developments, highlighting the financial…
Read moreThe Impact of the Cost-of-Living Crisis on Mental Health
Dania Hanif
Published: August 7, 2024
Over the past decade, austerity measures have inflicted profound economic hardship on communities and individuals, exacerbating systemic inequalities and leading to the closure of crucial support services in health, education, and community engagement. This has triggered a sharp rise in poverty and an increase in mental health issues across society. The COVID-19 pandemic has further…
Read moreOur Manifesto for Better Mental Health
Ella Dunthorne
Published: June 12, 2024
The pandemic and cost of living crisis have led to a rapid increase in the prevalence of mental health needs and demand for mental health services across society. Recent figures estimate that 1 in 6 adults experience a common mental health disorder, like anxiety or depression, in any given week. We know that mental health…
Read moreDeveloping positive engagement between commissioners and the VCSE provider sector
Dania Hanif
Published: November 20, 2023
Commissioning within the public sector is changing, especially in the context of Integrated Health and Care. Place-based commissioning is effective for ensuring more effective outcomes for people on a more localised basis, but it should be recognised that commissioning approaches vary across the country. The role of the VCSE within communities is widely recognised as…
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