A new report published today by the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) shows the profound impacts of a new mental health training programme for healthcare staff.
Launched in 2020 across the North East and Yorkshire, Making Every Contact Count (MECC) for Mental Health is a programme designed to train frontline professionals to integrate mental health conversations into routine practice.
The new report outlines the programme’s major outputs in 2023 and 2024, including the recruitment of 12 Lead Trainers and 60 Local Trainers, who delivered training to 362 participants across 46 organisations.
This marks the conclusion of a partnership programme between RSPH and NHS England’s Workforce, Training and Education directorate. The programme showcases significant successes, key learnings, and a promising future for MECC as a vital tool in public health prevention strategies.
The impact of the programme
The programme was evaluated by behavioural scientists Lucie Byrne-Davis and Professor Jo Hart to assess how effective it was in supporting changes in professional practice and engaging people in mental health conversations.
The evaluation revealed that the impact of the training was profound – participants engaged in over 38,500 conversations about mental health every two weeks.
It also improved behavioural expectations around having mental health conversations and providing referrals. Participants reported feeling more confident in addressing mental health issues, with enhanced awareness of available external services. The training also fostered psychological safety, reduced stigma, and encouraged key conversational behaviours, such as listening reflectively and using empathetic, non-stigmatising language.
While participants improved in their capability to have mental health conversations, there are still challenges around social opportunity, as more support is needed within organisations.
Calls for action
The report calls for the expansion of MECC training to other sectors, securing leadership buy-in, and maintaining high standards through quality assurance.
With further national leadership and investment, the programme holds significant potential to benefit frontline workers across the UK, supporting the government’s prevention-first approach to mental health and wellbeing.
The full report offers valuable insights for future iterations of the programme and emphasises the importance of addressing barriers to social opportunity, ensuring that frontline professionals continue to be supported in integrating mental health conversations into their daily practice.
How to access this training going forward
RSPH has launched a low-cost offer for organisations that would like to deliver the RSPH MECC training suite as part of their initiatives. Please visit the MECC page of our website for further details.
