There is a complex pattern of interaction between social exclusion and mental health. It is important to be thorough about evidence because of this complexity and to ensure that our understanding of issues is not confused or oversimplified. This requires sustained engagement with evidence.

The social exclusion faced by many people with severe mental health problems is documented in such reports as the social exclusion unit's 2004 report.

The national social inclusion programme has been involved in collating and reporting this evidence.

The programme has used its connection with the evidence base to inform policy developments and initiatives, not only in the Department of Health, but also in other government departments.

As well as the evidence base for more obvious economic and local authority aspects of social inclusion, the programme has also worked on evidence in more innovative areas, including arts and mental health.

The evidence base on social exclusion/inclusion and mental health is evolving. Conceptual issues, such as how to measure social inclusion and what types and levels of intervention are desired, are being clarified, and evidence on how best to intervene to improve social inclusion is being developed.

The evidence on interventions is at a low level, but before this can be built up a clear conceptual basis is needed to ensure further research and policy and service developments are well grounded.

Through its sustained interaction with evidence, the programme has been able to keep informed of these developments and support them. The programme has focused on a dialogue across research, policy and practice to help interpret and develop the evidence base.

The academic network associated with the programme has been a key vehicle for this work. The network, through regular meetings and other modes of communication, has brought together diverse expertise to contribute to developing the evidence base and supporting improvements in services and people's lives.