Social psychiatry and social policy for the twenty‐first century – new concepts for new needs: relational health

Abstract

PurposeThis final article in the series of three identifies and illustrates the links between the “enabling environment” approach and contemporary social policy themes such as relational health, public health, social inclusion; and the “Big Society”.Design/methodology/approachThe paper begins with an example of the standards‐based approach in practice. It then indicates other areas where this approach is currently being explored. Finally it summarises recent contemporary policy frameworks for which the EE approach, it is suggested, supplies both a shared vocabulary and a practical, evidence‐able agenda.FindingsThere is growing recognition of the need for a “sea change” away from a simple clinical interventions framework for community mental health and addressing health inequalities. There are clear linkages in this new approach with past and emerging policy frameworks in public health and corporate social responsibility, including the need for more “bottom up” solutions with local ownership.Originality/valueThis series of three papers is the first introduction to psychologically informed environments and the enabling environment approach to be made available to the general and specialist public.