New Horizons 
New Horizons Poor mental health is a root cause of the problems faced by individuals in this group but the combination of their needs and the resulting chaos in their lives means that they fail to get the help they need and fall in the gaps between existing policies and systems. Furthermore, because they are usually considered to have common mental health problems or personality disorder rather than a severe and enduring mental health condition their underlying mental health issues remain untreated. The result is social exclusion, deteriorating health and repeat offending.
We are pleased to have the opportunity to comment on New Horizons which we see as offering a unique opportunity for change for this group. We draw on our experience of over 15 years of developing solutions on the ground, our wide ranging research and consultation with service users through our national service users Forum.
On 30th April 2009, Lord Bradley published his Report of the Independent Review of People with Mental Health Problems and Learning Difficulties in the Criminal Justice System. Revolving Doors Agency welcomes the report, and is delighted that the Islington Neighbourhood Link scheme, a joint initiative between St Mungo's, the Metropolitan Police and Revolving Doors Agency is hailed as an "exceptional" example of best practice.
Revolving Doors Agency is pleased to note that the Bradley Report focuses on a broad spectrum of mental health, and that it recognises the multiplicity of need of many of those in contact with the criminal justice system. In particular we welcome the acknowledgement of a need to improve services for those that frequently fall between the gaps in current service provision.
We particularly support the recognition of the need for improved primary mental health care services in prisons and the recommendation for the development of a national strategy for rehabilitation services for those who are not subject to supervision from the Probation Service. We also endorse recommendations for better services for those with a dual diagnosis of mental health and drug/alcohol problems, better information sharing and more and improved joined-up working between criminal justice and community agencies.
We also welcome the focus on early intervention, and it is in this section that the Islington Neighbourhood Link scheme is cited as an example of best practice. Commenting on the scheme Lord Bradley said:
What started as a review into the barriers to effective court liaison and appropriate diversion of offenders with mental health problems quickly developed into a more holistic examination of the entire system, including: police custody suites; the courts; prisons; secure mental health facilities and how best these various agencies can work together. As such, I visited a number of different schemes up and down the country but the work I saw going on in Islington was exceptional and I am sure others could learn from it.
The Neighbourhood link worker pilot scheme in Islington is a great example of best practice and my report highlights it as a case study in co-operation between police and health services from which others could learn. The Metropolitan Police
, St Mungo's and Revolving Doors Agency deserve praise for this innovative approach.
Catherine Hennessy, Director of Development and Partnerships at Revolving Doors Agency, said:
Revolving Doors Agency welcomes the Bradley Review with its renewed focus on responding to the disproportionate numbers of people with mental health problems appearing in our criminal justice system. We are optimistic that the implementation of findings will enable real change for the better in the lives of these people. We look forward to working with our partners to build momentum and ensure this really does mark a shift towards the change we know is needed.
Read our full response to the report 
here
Revolving Doors Agency has recently completed an 18 month research project looking at the financial exclusion of adults with multiple needs. This project has been funded by Friends Provident and has been run in partnership with Citizens Advice.
Full Report
In March 2009, Revolving Doors Agency completed research that explored practitioners' attitudes towards working with the families of adults with multiple needs. The research focused on practitioners from adult services who had little experience of engaging with families. The research informs the development stage of the project which will explore responses to improve both services to adults with multiple needs and outcomes for children and families.
Full Report
The Justice Awards were established by the Attorney General, the Rt. Hon Baroness Scotland of Asthal QC, then Minister of State for the Home Office in 2004.
Thousands of people across the Criminal Justice System (CJS) do an amazing job. Every day their dedication makes a dramatic difference to people's lives. The Justice Awards recognise exceptional achievement among staff and volunteers working in criminal justice. It's your chance to make sure that outstanding performers get the credit they deserve.
The awards are now in their sixth year, and have succeeded in becoming a highly regarded national scheme which promotes excellence and best practice.
