This new text supports commissioners in translating current aspirations for public mental and physical health into tangible commissioning strategies. At a time when there are major changes in commissioning arrangements, this book provides a carefully structured and comprehensive look at the resources designed to improve population health and wellbeing outcomes. It examines critically how these resources, both human and financial, can be used in practice, focusing on health and wellbeing as well as illness. The book takes a life-course approach and examines commissioning for children, working-age adults and older people.

It will be valuable reading for those taking postgraduate courses in commissioning and leadership and management in a healthcare context, as well as broad courses on public health and health promotion.

Chris Heginbotham OBE FRSPH is Visiting Professor at the University of Cumbria and Emeritus Professor of Mental Health Policy and Management at the University of Central Lancashire.

Karen Newbigging is a Senior Lecturer in the Health Services Management Centre at the University of Birmingham and is a Chartered Psychologist and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society.