WM-ADASS launched its Mental Health Network in October 2021 to identify and respond to the challenges and changing landscape.
During 2025/26 the Network has focused on:
- Providing a consistent regional forum for peer support, challenge and learning across mental health social care.
- Leading shared work on the Section 117 / CHC interface, including funding and responsibility disputes and progressing options for clearer regional guidance (draft guidance to be discussed at next meeting).
- Supporting Mental Health Act reform readiness, particularly workforce implications, AMHP capacity and local authority roles.
- Sharing learning on CQC preparedness and assurance, including care pathways, data, and governance.
- Strengthening links with co‑production, neighbouring networks and national ADASS policy discussions.
Our top three priorities for the coming year are:
- Clarifying statutory responsibilities and funding interfaces (s117, CHC and Care Act), including developing simple, practical tools to support consistent local decision‑making.
- Workforce resilience and sustainability, with a focus on AMHP capacity, skills, retention and regional peer support.
- System transformation and prevention, including neighbourhood mental health models, crisis alternatives, and stronger alignment with health and VCSE partners.
Video from the West Midlands Social Care Research Partnership Conference on 19 October 2021. Find more from Jon at www.youtube.com/exboozehound
About this network
The network includes adult social care mental health leads and Approved Mental Health professionals from each of our 14 councils.
The Network meets bi-monthly to support the West Midlands Improvement Programme providing information, improvement and best practice sharing for activists across the region. It aims to:
- plan and deliver better and more joined-up health and social care across the region
- better engage people with lived experience and local communities in reviewing and designing services
The Network is sponsored by Kerrie Alward, director of adult services and Walsall Council, co-chaired by Amanda Allcock, service manager: learning disability, mental health, autism at Shropshire Council and Darryl Phillipowsky, Head of Adult Mental Health, Dudley Council. The network is supported by Mark Godfrey, WM ADASS Associate.