In a wide-ranging conversation Sean Duggan, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Network at NHS Confederation, and Melanie Walker, Chief Executive of Devon Partnership NHS Trust, take a detailed look at provider collaboratives and the fundamental role they play in integrated care systems. With a particular focus on mental health, they draw attention to the need for early intervention and investment to strengthen services to ensure that there is parity of esteem with physical health. The main opportunity they cite is that if you’re getting mental health provision right, then you’re in a much better position to alleviate pressures in other areas of your ICS.