The Centre for Mental Health has published Meeting the need: what makes a ‘good’ joint strategic needs assessment (JSNA) for mental health or dementia?
This report explores how five local councils across England went about understanding the mental health needs of their communities, and taking action to meet them more effectively.
The report finds that JSNAs for mental health and dementia can help to direct investment, improve services and help local agencies work together more effectively. To have the biggest impact, they need a clear purpose, effective leadership and advocacy, and partnerships that continue after the JSNA is completed to ensure that they lead to action.
Report author Andy Bell highlights eight key success factors behind the creation of an effective and impactful needs assessment:
