In brief from the BPS, December 2023

Joint call for investment in mental health and wellbeing support

The BPS and British Association of Social Workers have called on the government to invest in dedicated mental health and wellbeing support for social care and NHS staff after funding for NHS Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs was cut in March. 

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More play for children in hospital

The Division of Educational and Child Psychology has responded to a report by children's charity Starlight which has called for more investment in play resources for children during hospital stays (tinyurl.com/3xbhmnsh). Denise Miller from the DECP said play had been proven to reduce anxiety and stress levels in children and young people. 'While hospitals can be isolating places, play can also facilitate inclusivity and social interactions. Interacting with other children and young people who are going through similar experiences can provide a sense of friendship and support.'

Saluting our sisters

The Division of Clinical Psychology has produced a podcast celebrating the 2023 Black History Month theme 'saluting our sisters'. It features three Black clinical psychologists – Dr Juliana Onwumere (consultant clinical psychologist), Dr Vivia Cowdrill (consultant clinical psychologist), and Professor Margo Ononaiye (director of Southampton clinical psychology doctoral programme) – who all hold senior leadership roles within the NHS and in higher education. The podcast is hosted by Dr Sidrah Muntaha, the Division's equality, diversity and inclusion lead.

Watch the podcast.

BPS welcomes NHS staff report

'Providers Deliver: Enabling wellbeing within trusts' presents a series of case studies where trusts have responded to national data, local environments and direct staff feedback by investing in targeted interventions to support their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. 

Warning of postcode lottery

The BPS has warned that access to mental health and wellbeing support for NHS and social care staff has become a 'postcode lottery'. The Society has called for all NHS and social care staff to have equal access to dedicated evidence-based mental health and wellbeing support at work.

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BPS calls for juror support

The government should provide psychological support for jurors who are exposed to distressing evidence as part of jury duty the BPS has said. Several high-profile cases in recent times, including harrowing evidence presented to juries over a period of months, have led the Society to express concerns that jurors are being 'dropped' at the end of their service.

The Society has suggested the government replicate the model used in Scotland – which includes a dedicated counselling service for jurors. It also recommended the establishment of a support phone line and online service which can refer jurors to in-person services. 

Online safety

BPS CEO Sarb Bajwa has said the Society was pleased to see the Online Safety Bill being passed through parliament, calling it a welcome step in making the online world a safer place for all. However, he added there were still concerns the bill could leave children and vulnerable adults exposed to harmful content online. 'It will be vital that the regulator acts swiftly when necessary to hold social media firms to account regarding the harmful content posted on their platforms.'

Scottish government standards: The publication of psychological therapy specifications and core mental health standards by the Scottish government has been welcomed by the BPS. The Society said these will bring 'clarity and consistency' in the planning and delivery of services – but added that success would depend on staff being given enough support to meet the new requirements and IT systems that were fit for purpose.

Supervision in Occupational Psychology

Domain-specific supervision requirements for Occupational Psychologists have been agreed following a members' meeting.