Mental health is intrinsic to well-being. There is a clear association between well-being, good mental health and improved outcomes for people of all ages and social classes, across a number of domains. These include longevity, physical health, social connectedness, educational achievement, criminality, maintaining a home, employment status and productivity.

The report summarises the growing evidence base to inform and support Joint Strategic Needs Assessments as well as other plans and strategies, including commissioning, at national, regional and local levels. It outlines a genuinely innovative new approach to public mental health.

The benefits that improving mental health and well-being bring to individuals, communities and society are increasingly recognised. There is growing international recognition that re-orientating healthcare towards well-being and prevention brings benefits to everyone.

The report is available from DoH. http://www.dh.gov.uk/dr_consum_dh/groups/dh_digitalassets/@dh/@en/@ps/documents/digitalasset/dh_114775.pdf