South London Listens, an initiative bringing together two integrated care systems across the capital as well as three NHS mental health trusts and a range of other partners, has recently published a report highlighting the role of digital in driving change to tackle health inequalities.
Beginning as an initiative to tackle challenges around mental health during the pandemic, South London Listens has now developed into a “change movement”, inspired by continued engagement with the community and work with local authority partners to “tackle deep rooted health inequalities and to build a blueprint for mental ill-health prevention using the power of community listening and organising”.
The report identifies digital exclusion as a key area of focus, detailing work being done around tackling social isolation and the “digital divide”. This includes a partnership with Community Tech Aid to repair or recycle unused equipment to help people get online; the donation of 200 devices to local charities; and the development of digital inclusion toolkits and local networks to offer support.
In 2024/25, the initiative also plans to work with ICSs and community leaders to spread best practice on digital inclusion and ensure communities have access to technology, as well as working with Citizens UK to offer free wifi for people in temporary accommodation.
Digital has also played a part in some of the initiatives other areas of work, including the Being A Dad pilot, which offered an eight-week online parenting programme for fathers of children aged 2-11 years; and the CAMHS Virtual Waiting Room, developed in collaboration with mental health trusts and local partners to offer video content and resources curated by clinicians to support those waiting for mental health intervention.
To find out more about the South London Listens initiative and its plans for 2024/25, please click here.
Digital mental health in focus
At HTN, recent news around digital mental health has included patient engagement platform DrDoctor acquiring a personal health record platform custom built for mental health care; Norfolk and Waveney ICB opening a £1.17 million opportunity for a digital offer focusing on children and young people’s mental health; and Papyrus working with ORCHA to develop an app library containing “trusted apps” for young people to access information and support on mental health.
In May, we explored research into the attitudes and experiences of current and potential users of digital mental health technology.
And at HTN Now, our online event series, we held a webinar focusing on the development of a blueprint of an online mental health support programme.
Also in London
Earlier this week we noted pre-procurement plans from North East London NHS Foundation Trust aiming to identify market capabilities and supplier interest for ADHD technologies.
Also in August, HTN highlighted a strategy from the North West London Acute Provider Collaborative outlining plans around data and digital; and shared the opening of applications for DigitalHealth.London’s Launchpad programme, designed to offer support to early-stage innovators looking to launch digital health products and services.
In May, we interviewed Joss Palmer, OneLondon programme director, to learn more about projects and progress in the capital including work around the London Care Record.
