The UK Inquiry into Mental Health and Well-Being in Later Life

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Who we are > Board > Terms of reference

1.  To describe the factors which influence mental health and well-being in later life, including the mental health needs of older people and the services available to meet them; and to predict future trends, in order to provide an authoritative and evidence-based framework for future policy, research and service developments.

 

2.  To prepare a series of reports for publication and dissemination which will:

a) Raise the profile of the mental health of older people

b) Influence national and local policy, planning and practice, with a view to:

  • diminishing or mitigating factors which adversely affect mental health;
  • promoting or enhancing factors which have a positive effect on well-being;
  • detecting mental health problems at an early stage;
  • ensuring timely, adequately resourced and effective interventions;
  • ensuring the provision of adequate, sensitive and dignified care and support for all older people with mental health problems, particularly those who can no longer manage to live independently;
  • incorporating the views of older people; and
  • incorporating the views of carers, families and friends.