Muslim leaders’ views on mental health disorders

An overview from one of the Trust’s Consultant Psychiatrists

Shafiq (UK) Muslim leaders’ views on mental health disorders: focus group. GlobalPsychiatryArchives

Salman Shafiq (LSCFT) shares the outcome of his research paper and key themes identified within his research. Learn about the focused group discussion among religious leaders and some members of South Asian community.

Watch the short clip above or read the article here:

Views of British South Asian Muslim leaders on mental health: a focus group study

Cochrane Review: Music-Based Interventions for Dementia Show Modest Benefits

A recent Cochrane review evaluated the effects of music-based therapeutic interventions on individuals with dementia. Analysing data from 30 studies involving 1,720 participants, the review found that, compared to usual care, music-based interventions probably lead to slight improvements in depressive symptoms and may reduce overall behavioural problems. However, evidence regarding benefits for agitation, emotional well-being, cognition, and long-term effects remains limited or uncertain.

These findings suggest that while music therapy can offer some benefits for people with dementia, further high-quality research is needed to fully understand its impact.

Read the full review: Cochrane Library – Music-Based Therapeutic Interventions for People with Dementia

New ONS Report Reveals Elevated Self-Harm and Suicide Rates Among LGB+ Adults

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has released a ground breaking analysis linking 2021 Census data with NHS records, revealing that adults identifying as LGB+ in England and Wales face significantly higher rates of self-harm and suicide compared to their heterosexual counterparts.

Key Findings:

  • The age-standardised rate of intentional self-harm for LGB+ individuals was 1,508.9 per 100,000 people between March 2021 and December 2023, compared to 598.4 per 100,000 for heterosexual individuals.
  • The suicide rate among LGB+ adults stood at 50.3 per 100,000 people, more than double the rate of 23.1 per 100,000 observed in heterosexual adults.
  • Bisexual individuals exhibited the highest self-harm rates within the LGB+ group, at 1,669.5 per 100,000 people.
  • The risk of self-harm was notably higher among LGB+ females, with a rate 2.8 times greater than that of heterosexual females.
  • Young adults aged 16 to 24 identifying as LGB+ had a self-harm rate 2.8 times higher than their heterosexual peers.

These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted mental health support and suicide prevention strategies within the LGB+ community.

Read the full report: ONS – Self-harm and suicide by sexual orientation, England and Wales

WHO Report Calls for Urgent Action on Health Inequities

The World Health Organization’s 2025 World Report on Social Determinants of Health Equity highlights the persistent health disparities driven by factors like income, education, housing, and discrimination. The report emphasizes that without targeted, equity-focused policies, these gaps will continue to widen.

It urges governments and institutions to implement structural changes that address the root causes of health inequities, advocating for cross-sector collaboration and inclusive policy-making.

Read the full report: WHO – World Report on Social Determinants of Health Equity

Eating Disorder Bulletin May 2025

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.

May 2025Download

Children and Young People’s Mental Health Newsletter May 2025

The latest Children and Young People’s Mental Health Newsletter 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.

CYPMH newsletter May 2025Download

Mental Health Awareness Week 2025

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.

Learn more and get involved:
mentalhealth.org.uk
mentalhealth-uk.org

Making Every Contact Count May 2025


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.

Smoking Cessation

Smoking Cessation May 2025Download

Alcohol

Alcohol May 2025Download

Healthy Weight & Healthy Eating

Healthy Weight Healthy Eating May 2025Download

Physical Activity

Alcohol May 2025Download

CQC Survey Reveals Ongoing Challenges in Community Mental Health Services

The Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) 2024 Community Mental Health Survey highlights persistent issues within NHS community mental health services in England. Key findings include:​

  • Access and Waiting Times: 40% of respondents did not receive support while waiting for their first appointment, and 42% reported that their mental health deteriorated during this period.​
  • Crisis Care: While 78% knew who to contact during a crisis, 27% did not receive the help they needed, and 47% reported that their families or carers were not offered support during such times.​
  • Care Planning and Involvement: Over a third (38%) did not have a care plan, and 43% had not had a review meeting to discuss their care. Additionally, 36% reported having no choice in how their care was delivered. ​
  • Support for Broader Needs: Significant numbers of respondents did not receive help or advice for joining community activities (44%), finding work (69%), or accessing financial advice or benefits (67%).

These findings underscore the need for comprehensive improvements in community mental health services to ensure timely access, effective crisis support, and holistic care planning.​

Read the full report: CQC – Community Mental Health Survey 2024