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Abstract
This paper illustrates the importance of providing international perspectives on key areas of mental health policy and practice for students undergoing social work education and training. As part of a three year BA Social Work Studies degree at the Manchester Metropolitan University the final year teaching which follows on from students' professional qualification includes electives which provide international perspectives on a range of social work issues. One of these electives is a study of international perspectives in mental health. The purpose is not just to offer an interesting study of international aspects of mental health but to show how this broader perspective is essential in order to identify the crucial processes at work within the mental health services in this country. A brief summary of the international comparisons which the course draws upon is provided. The central themes which emerge from this comparative study are the need to counter the individualising of mental distress and the limited part which case management currently plays in this process.