We are putting mental health firmly at the heart of our plans to improve Londoners’ wellbeing.

Good mental health is important for individuals, families, and communities and impacts on wellbeing, participation, productivity, and resilience to life's challenges. Mental illness, and the stigma associated with it, reduces opportunities to engage in the social and economic life of our city and can have a negative impact on physical health and life expectancy.

Mental health in London

Mental health problems affect many Londoners, and often go hand-in-hand with poor physical health. Mental ill health also falls unevenly, for example London's mental health services treat more patients from deprived areas. Groups of Londoners with high rates of mental health problems include refugees and asylum seekers, homeless people, and those who misuse alcohol and drugs.

The availability and quality of specialist services for people with mental illness is variable across London and more needs to be done to make sure all Londoners can get the help and support they need, when they need it. People with mental health problems do not always get the same level of care for their physical health problems as those who have no diagnosis for a mental illness. Language barriers can also be a problem.

What we are doing to help people to better mental health

We want to see a positive shift in the way we think about mental health. Some of the areas we will be working on include:

• working with a wide range of partners to influence national mental health policy
• supporting and influencing health and social care providers to improve the quality and availability of services
• working with NHS London and boroughs to support young people at risk of mental health problems
• leading the way by making sure that the Greater London Authority looks after the mental health of its staff