IT Distance Learning News

IT training to play part in mental health initiative

Computer training is to be promoted as a way to improve mental health for the over-50s in a new government initiative.

Care services minister Phil Hope launched the New Horizons programme as part of a new package of public health services.

The programme "marks a new era in mental health" according to Mr Hope as it will aim to target the root causes of the issue.

Partners in its development included the Royal College of Psychiatrists and mental health charity Mind.

As well as offering IT training courses other initiatives include the promotion of reading groups and urban allotments.

Steve Shrubb, director of the mental health network of the NHS Confederation, said: "Promoting mental health is everyone's business and the coalition fully supports the move to embedding good mental health across society while continuing to improve services."

The Directgov website reports older people are increasingly making use of new technology.

By 2010 it says that users older than 50 are likely to dominate the online shopping market.