Care Plans – Lancashire & South Cumbria Library Blog

Government launches new neighbourhood health services

The government has announced new neighbourhood health services in 43 communities across England, supported by £10 million funding.

These services will bring together GPs, nurses, pharmacists, social care staff, and voluntary organisations to provide joined-up support closer to where people live.

For mental health, this means earlier help, less time waiting, and care that looks at the whole person – not just individual conditions. By connecting physical and mental health support, the aim is to reduce avoidable hospital visits and make it easier for people to get the help they need in their own communities.

Collaborative Care for Depression – What Works Best?

A new National Elf Service article explores which parts of collaborative care make the biggest difference for people with depression.

Research shows that while collaborative care involves teamwork, structured plans, and regular follow-up, the most effective elements are manual-based psychotherapy and involving family or carers.

Despite strong evidence, collaborative care is still underused in practice, often due to limited resources and uncertainty about what really works. This study highlights where efforts should be focused to improve outcomes for patients.