LSC Mental Health Strategy Friday, March 13, 2009 - 15:49

Thursday 5 March saw the launch - at the 4th Annual NIACE Mental Health Conference - of the refreshed LSC Mental Health Strategy - The Way Forward.

This strategy takes in the LSC's core ambition that by 2015, England will be an international exemplar in providing high-quality post-16 learning provision for learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

The LSC's vision is that people who experience mental health difficulties should, by accessing learning and skills provision, be able to lead active and fulfilling lives as part of their communities and in education, training and employment, in a way that sustains mental well-being.

The refreshed strategy acknowledges that there

s a diversity of work that needs to be addressed if the vision for learners with mental health difficulties is to be fulfilled.

In 2009-10, the LSC will continue to work towards being an exemplary employer, in recruiting and retaining people who experience mental health difficulties and will encourage and support all our partner agencies to become mindful employers, to create mental health-friendly environments.

NIACE welcomes the refreshed mental health strategy from the LSC.

Peter Lavender, NIACE's Deputy Chief Executive, said,

"This strategy is critically important. Adults and young people with mental health difficulties are a significant minority of learners in the FE system."

"We need stronger partnership working in order to promote access to, and success in, learning and skills. For people who experience mental health difficulties learning opportunities are a key tool to the promotion of social and economic inclusion."

Chris Banks, Chairman of the Learning and Skills Council said,

"I believe that the Further Education system is uniquely placed to improve employability prospects and skill levels and thereby contribute to economic social growth and social inclusion."

"The LSC's focus, with its partners, is on delivering the skills that individuals, communities, businesses and the economy need, which will in turn contribute to people's well-being and their prosperity."

"This work, which has been championed by the LSC needs to be continued with the successor organisations. It is important that we do not lose sight of this or the ground that has already been gained".