It is important to understand the differences between policy, plans and programmes.

In this slide you can see that whereas a policy sets out the vision, values, principles and objectives for mental health, a plan outlines the strategies, time frames, financing and areas for action necessary to implement the policy.  A programme in turn is more specific, defining the interventions, resources and budget necessary to implement a specific aspect of policy.

Policy is generally formulated to cover a long period (e.g., 5-10 years), while a plan and programme normally cover a shorter time period.  A programme often applies to a smaller administrative division than a policy, which is normally developed at a national or regional level.

A policy without a plan or programme runs the risk of never being implemented.  In turn, a plan or programme without an overall policy runs the risk of becoming fragmented and lacking coherent direction.

These distinctions between policy, plans and programmes are not rigid and there is likely to be some degree of overlap.