PLANS for a mental health strategy for Fife have been outlined.

The four-year plan was given the green light at a meeting of Fife Health and Social Care’s Integrated Joint Board.

It aims to improve mental health care in the region, and was formally approved by the board in February.

Its key commitments include prevention and early intervention care, the guarantee of workforce recruitment and retention in the scheme, making care accessible for all and technology-enabled care.

A mental health focus group has also been established to increase participation and engagement.

Other initiatives include a suicide prevention group and a rebalancing care group to provide alternate care dependent on the individual.

Patient, carer and third sector representation will be included in the working groups to ensure a wide range of factors are considered in the strategy.

Nicky Connor, director of the Partnership, said: “There is significant activity under way but further work is needed.

“This mental health strategy is not just about the services we deliver, it’s about supporting mental health and wellbeing within our population.”

Councillor Tim Brett said: “I very much welcome this strategy and I hope that we can get real impetus behind it because it is vital that we do that.”

Due to the pandemic, implementation will be delayed by a year. Approval will be sought in early 2021 after consultation in December.