The Mental Health Network was established in May 2007 to provide a distinct and independent voice for mental health and learning disability providers. Our aim is to improve the influence of mental health and learning disability providers - ensuring that their voice is heard and counted - ultimately improving the system for patients.

We were formed following a decision by the National Mental Health Partnership (NMHP) to be fully incorporated into the NHS Confederation and be re-established as a new Network for mental health organisations. Steve Shrubb is our network director and our board consists of a broad range of voices including providers, clinicians, service users and partner organisations.

Our members

We currently have 71 members which include mental health trusts, independent sector members and PCTs which deliver mental health services.

The majority of our members are from mental health trusts throughout England although membership is open to any provider of NHS mental health services provided they are already a member of the NHS Confederation.

Our work

The Mental Health Network will help its members improve health and patient care by:

• developing solutions with all those providing health and health care to benefit the NHS for patients and the public.
• influencing policy and the public debate, providing the distinct voice for organisations providing mental health and learning disability services

The Network aims to involve its members in developing and shaping the work programmes. Find more information about our work programmes and how to get involved.

Governance and Leadership of the Mental Health Network

The board has been elected by network members and consists of four chief executives, four chairs and two healthcare practitioners who are in active, substantive clinical practice. It is steered by a chair and a vice chair.

Steve Shrubb has been appointed as the Director of the Mental Health Network. Steve joined the NHS Confederation from CSIP where he was the regional director for North East Yorkshire and Humber. Steve began his career as a mental health nurse and a psychotherapist before joining the NHS general management training programme in 1990. He went to become director of operations at Northumberland Mental Health NHS Trust and later chief executive of Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland Mental Health NHS Trust for three years.

Media work

The Mental Health Network has dedicated media team to ensure Mental Health gain's a significant profile through the media, in government and with wider stakeholders. You can find our recent press releases in the media centre section.