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A new guide to encourage mental health service users and their carers to have a greater role in the planning, development and delivery of mental health services has been published by the Welsh Assembly government to mark World Mental Health Day. The guide has been developed in consultation with mental health experts including Mind Cymru, health professionals, patients and carers and builds on the Assembly government's Mental Health National Services Framework, which aims to provide access to high-quality services across Wales. The document includes: read more

Northern Ireland's Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride, has emphasised the importance of looking after your mental health. Speaking today at a Royal College of Psychiatrists' event for post-primary schoolchildren to raise awareness of mental health issues, Dr McBride said: "We need to learn to look after our mental health in the same manner as we do our physical health. The issue is one of the minister's, the department's, and my top priorities. "Attitudes to mental health have to change, and it is very important that schools take time out to talk about mental health. read more

Health Secretary Alan Johnson today welcomed publication of a landmark international report, which highlights that mental health services in England are leading the way in Europe. The report from the World Health Organisation, published to mark World Mental Health Day on 10 October, showed that: * England directs 13.8% of the health budget towards mental health - highest level in Europe among those who submitted figures * We provide high levels of access to mental health care, with 12.7 psychiatrists per 100,000 population, compared to the European average of 8.9. read more

The advocacy group Autism Speaks in 2009 will target at least 10 states -- including new york, California and Ohio -- to push for legislation that would require health insurers to cover autistic behavioral therapy, the AP/Contra Costa Times reports. The group already has endorsed bills in New Jersey, Virginia and Michigan. read more