Health minister Rosie Winterton has set out the implementation guidance for the women's mental health strategy.

The new guidance aims to help those planning and delivering mental health services to understand better what is meant by being sensitive to the needs of women and ensure that women feel better served by the mental health care system.

Forum Response: SANE

Marjorie Wallace, chief executive of SANE, said: "Seventy-seven per cent of those caring for people with mental illness who call our helpline, SANELINE, are women.

"While being sensitive to the needs of individuals with mental illness, we must not overlook the often lonely and unsupported women who are carers and may themselves have mental health needs."

Forum Response: Depression Alliance

Jim Thomson, chief executive of the Depression Alliance, told ePolitix.com: "Depression Alliance welcomes the launch of the implementation guidance for the women's mental health strategy.

"Rosie Winterton's comments demonstrate a willingness to finally put mental health on the political agenda (it is supposed to be one of the government's top three clinical priorities).

"We look forward to working with her to ensure that funding reaches those who need it and that services for anyone affected by depression and other mental health problems can be assured of adequate service provision."