The report, which details the mental health needs of people living with physical ill health, was co produced by National Voices and the Centre for Mental Health, and with support from a range of long-term conditions charities. It shows the impact long-term conditions can have on people, their relationships and jobs; what helps; what support is already available and works; and what needs to change to better emotionally support people living with long-term physical ill-health.

The campaign #AskHowIAm calls for compassionate conversations at all points of contact between healthcare professionals and people living with long-term conditions. It calls for every healthcare provider – nurses, doctors, and allied healthcare professionals – to properly, meaningfully ask people how they are feeling. The campaign also asks system leaders to make the necessary service changes to enable these vital conversations to take place, as well as to equip all healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge they need to effectively support the range of emotional and mental health needs those living with long-term conditions may experience.

The launch event, which took place online, can be viewed on the National Voices YouTube page.  To download the report and other related materials, visit the National Voices website.