The Institute of Alcohol Studies has published a new vision for tackling alcohol harm across the country. Created by a wide group of experts in policy, research and treatment, the document sets out a clear and hopeful path for long term progress.
The vision looks at how the UK can create safer communities, strengthen prevention, improve treatment pathways, and reduce the serious health impacts linked to alcohol use. It brings together evidence, lived experience and practical recommendations that can help guide national and local action in the years ahead.
For anyone working in public health, mental health, community safety or addiction services, the report offers valuable insight into the changes that could support a healthier and more resilient future.
A new pilot programme in the North East and Yorkshire is offering patients at acute and mental health trusts access to a digital app designed to help people quit smoking.
Participants receive free access to the Smoke Free app, which provides tools, guidance and personalised encouragement to support people on their stop smoking journey. The pilot is being delivered through a collaboration involving Health Innovation North East and North Cumbria, Health Innovation Yorkshire and Humber, and NHS England for the region.
Smoking rates remain higher among people living with mental health conditions, and digital support tools like this may offer an accessible way to improve long term health and wellbeing.
The most recent Make Every Contact count public heath bulletin looking at latest evidence around smoking cessation, alcohol, healthy weight, healthy eating and physical exercise is now available. The bulletin is produced by Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS FT Library staff. If you cannot access any of the articles included in the bulletin please contact academic.library@lscft.nhs.uk.
A new systematic review has explored how core beliefs — the deep, often negative ideas we hold about ourselves and the world — play a role in psychosis.
The findings suggest that these beliefs can shape symptoms, recovery, and response to therapy. For clinicians, this highlights the importance of addressing core beliefs in treatment, not just the symptoms themselves.
This research adds weight to approaches that look at the whole person and their lived experience, making care more personal and effective.
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.
The latest Eating Disorder Bulletin is now available to view or download. Some articles are freely accessible, others require an Open Athens account. Please get in touch for support with this: academic.library@lscft.nhs.uk.
At the library, we believe in the power of information and community. That’s why we’re highlighting the work of Alcohol Change UK, a charity helping people rethink their relationship with alcohol without judgment.
Whether you’re cutting back, supporting someone else, or just curious, they offer tools like the Try Dry® app, expert advice, and honest, practical support.
We’ve also got books, and resources here in the library to help you explore health, wellbeing, and alcohol in a safe and supportive way.
Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing, England 2023/4
NHS Digital
The Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey (APMS) series provides data on the prevalence of both treated and untreated psychiatric disorder in the English adult population (aged 16 and over). This survey is the fifth in a series and was conducted by the National Centre for Social Research, in collaboration with the University of Leicester and City St George’s, University of London, for NHS England.
Highlights included:
Increased prevalence across a range of indicators of poor mental health-The proportion of 16 to 64 year olds, identified with a common mental health condition, increased from 17.6% in 2007 and 18.9% in 2014, to 22.6% in 2023/4. The proportion was higher in women than men at each point. Lifetime non-suicidal self-harm was reported by 3.8% of 16 to 74 year olds in 2007, rising to 6.4% in 2014 and 10.3% in 2023/4 – Similarly, the proportion of adults screening positive for ADHD rose from 8.2% in 2007 and 9.7% in 2014, to 13.9% in 2023/4.
Young adults remain a key group– The proportion of young adults (aged 16 to 24), with a common mental health condition, rose from 17.5% in 2007 to 25.8% in 2023/4. Younger adults were also more likely to report lifetime non-suicidal self-harm and to screen positive for PTSD and ADHD than older age groups.
Socioeconomic inequalities in mental health persist– Adults with problem debt and those who were not in employment were more likely to have a common mental health condition, report lifetime non-suicidal self-harm and to screen positive for PTSD. Living in the most deprived fifth of areas was associated with increased prevalence of common mental health conditions, suicide attempts and PTSD.
Physical and mental health were strongly related– People with a doctor diagnosed physical health condition, that limited their activities, were more likely to have a common mental health condition, report non-suicidal self-harm and screen positive for PTSD.
Mental health treatment use increased in prevalence– The proportion of 16 to 74 year olds, with common mental health condition symptoms (CIS-R 12+), reporting receipt of treatment rose from 24.4% in 2007 and 39.4% in 2014, to 47.7% in 2023/4. Receipt of psychological therapies, among those with symptoms (CIS-R 12+), rose from 10.4% in 2007 to 17.9% in 2023/4; and receipt of medication rose from 19.6% in 2007 to 38.4% in 2023/4.
The latest Eating Disorder Bulletin is now available to view or download. Some articles are freely accessible, others require an Open Athens account. Please get in touch for support with this: academic.library@lscft.nhs.uk.
This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week (12–18 May 2025) focuses on community—a reminder that connection, support, and belonging are essential for good mental health. Being part of a strong, supportive community helps us feel safe, valued, and less alone.
The week encourages open conversations about mental health, reduces stigma, and promotes resources to support wellbeing. It’s a great time to reflect on how we can strengthen the connections around us and be there for one another.
