The Mental Health Foundation has launched an online conference centre with a consultation on the government's National Framework of Values for Mental Health.

Forum Response: Age Concern

A spokeswoman for Age Concern England, told ePolitix.com: "Age Concern welcomes this initiative to raise some of the issues facing older people with mental health needs.

"Significant numbers of older people experience mental health problems, particularly depression and dementia, and many others can experience periods of distress due to bereavement.

"We are working with the Mental Health Foundation on a joint enquiry to address major gaps in mental health services for older people. In an ageing population, the need to address older people's mental health needs is set to grow.

"By 2020 a third of the UK will be older and the signs are that future generations of older people will become more demanding as consumers of health and social care. So it is not only fair but also increasingly important that providers respond to the views and needs of older people.

"The NHS and social services have taken welcome steps in responding to the needs of older patients and users, thanks to the guiding framework of the NSF. Many Age Concerns locally have been involved. It is now both challenging and vital that we all keep change for older people high on the agenda."