The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has produced a new leaflet advising what its staff can and can't do when British travellers experience mental health problems abroad.
Apparently FCO staff have been dealing with a growing number of mental health-related cases over the past few years.
I'm not quite sure why mental health problems might be increasing, although it may be because of greater awareness. Consular spokesperson Philip Lord said: "Travelling or moving abroad can be stressful, which can cause people's mental health to decline. Excessive alcohol and drug taking can also be a major factor in cases reported by our staff in places like Thailand. Not knowing what support is offered can make matters worse, so it's important for people to know the type of assistance that we can provide."
The FCO is hoping that professionals working within the mental health sector will help to ensure that the information in this leaflet is passed on to those who need it.
The leaflet, and order details, can be found at http://www.fco.gov.uk/publications
Read the complete post at http://www.communitycare.co.uk/blogs/mental-health/2010/10/foreign-office-staff-dealing-w.html
Posted
25 Oct 2010 12:42 PM
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Mad World
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