This month, Lisa Brooks-Lewis (Mental Health Advisor and UMHAN member) was invited to attend the Complex Needs and Dual Diagnosis All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) to discuss key issues and impacts relating to New Psychoactive Substances (NPS), also known as ‘legal highs’, including on mental health services and individual’s wellbeing.
Key speakers included:
Colin Tyrie - Senior Public Health Development Advisor (Substance Misuse), Michael Linnell – Linnell Communications and coordinator of UK and Ireland DrugWatch and Dr Mark Holland - Consultant Nurse, Manchester Mental Health & Social Care Trust.
As a key issue in many communities, this meeting brought together, providers, commissioners, academics and policy makers. The APPG was chaired by Lord Adebowale CBE. It highlighted the importance of engagement of clients, early warning systems and learning for future policy. Lisa highlighted the need for specific policy and guidance relating to those adolescents and young adults within transitions including students and a follow up meeting is planned to discuss this further in July 2015.
Many thanks to Lois Dugmore, Consultant Nurse Leicestershire Partnership Trust.
