Core beliefs in psychosis: new insights from a systematic review

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.

Read the review on The Mental Elf: Core beliefs in psychosis: new insights from a systematic review – National Elf Service

Adult Aphasia, Dysarthria and Dysphagia Bulletin

The latest Adult Aphasia, Dysarthria and Dysphagia Bulletin produced by the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust is now available.

If you are unable to access any of the included articles please contact academic.library@lscft.nhs.uk.

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.

Read more here: Government launches new neighbourhood health services | UK Healthcare News

Community Health Bulletin

The latest Community health Bulletin produced by the Evidently Better team at Mersey Care NHS FT is now available.

In this edition:

  • Crisis and acute mental health care
  • For urgent action: campaign to vaccinate all frontline healthcare staff
  • Do we really understand what a healthy weight looks like for all ethnicities?
  • When healthcare advice feels like blame – the problem with ‘Making Every Contact Count’
  • No Neighbourhood Health Without Mental Health
  • New healthier food standards to give babies best start in life

If you are unable to access any of the included articles please contact academic.library@lscft.nhs.uk.

Suicide Prevention and Self Harm Bulletin


The latest Suicide Prevention and Self Harm Bulletin produced by the Mersey Care Evidently Better team is now available.

In this issue:

  • Suicide and self-harm content still recommended ‘at industrial scale’ by TikTok and Instagram
  • ‘Sliding into an abyss’: experts warn over rising use of AI for mental health support
  • Youth Suicide Myths: Talking to Save Lives (Podcast)
  • Join the ZSA train-a-thon

If you are unable to access any of the included articles please contact academic.library@lscft.nhs.uk.

Exploring evidence regarding vision-based monitoring in inpatient mental health units

The Care Quality Commission commissioned a rapid evidence review to assess vision-based monitoring systems (VBMS) in inpatient mental health settings. The study examined 68 documents and conducted 11 interviews to understand how VBMS are used and their impact on safety and care.

Key insights include:

  • VBMS can track location, activity, vital signs, and support informed interventions, helping reduce sleep disturbances, self-harm incidents, restraint use, and operational costs.
  • Some evidence shows reductions such as a 44% drop in bedroom self-harm incidents and a 26% fall in restraint use, though findings are limited and mixed.
  • Significant concerns around consent, privacy infringement, diminished patient dignity, and risk of re-traumatisation were raised.
  • The report highlights gaps in regulation, policy guidance, and evidence quality—calling for clearer oversight, ethical safeguards, and further independent research to inform CQC’s stance.

Read the full report here: Exploring evidence regarding vision-based monitoring in inpatient mental health units – Care Quality Commission

Suicide Awareness Month

September is Suicide Awareness Month, a time to raise understanding, reduce stigma, and highlight the support available for anyone affected by suicide.

Talking about suicide can be difficult, but starting the conversation is vital. Libraries play a role in signposting to trusted information and resources that can help people find support for themselves or others.

If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available:

Our library also offers a range of Reading Well titles, including books on mental health, resilience, and coping strategies, all free to borrow.

Together, we can help break the silence and support suicide prevention.

Depression and Anxiety Bulletin

With thanks to our colleagues from Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust please find the latest bulletin attached. Some articles are freely accessible, others require an Open Athens account.

In this edition:

  • NHS talking therapy is less effective for younger adults
  • New Mental Health Foundation study shows 32-hour work week boosts staff wellbeing without harming productivity
  • Tackling poverty could be key to improving mental health in Wales, Mind Cymru report finds
  • Verbally abused children more likely to have poor mental health as adults, study finds

For support accessing any of the articles, please contact academic.library@lscft.nhs.uk

Record number of dementia diagnoses on NHS

A recent NHS milestone shows 506,549 people in the UK have received a dementia diagnosis, up from 490,163 a year ago—reflecting improved awareness and access to testing under the NHS 10 Year Health Plan.

Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust has also launched MinderCare, an at-home monitoring service using discreet sensors on beds, appliances, and doorways. It helps clinical teams monitor routines, medication responses, and early signs of decline—supporting safer, more responsive care at home.

In the past year, the NHS delivered 330,460 care plans or reviews and 114,447 medication reviews, reinforcing a stronger support system for those with dementia.

Read more here: Record number of dementia diagnoses on NHS | UK Healthcare News