Mental Health on World Mental Health Day and Scott asks Government to look at funding seriously
Mental health covers a broad range of conditions and we are all susceptible to experiencing a mental health issue at some point in our lives. What is not as common is the same openness around mental illness that is seen with some physical conditions. It is important that we remove any stigma around mental health and promote good mental wellbeing.
In a recent poll only 14% of the UK population in a survey of over 6000 said they didn't know anyone with mental health issues so we are getting better at talking about it and sharing our difficulties. I welcome the work that is taking place in Northumberland during Mental Health Awareness Week as a way to help people with mental health issues get the early support and advice they need.
In Northumberland services work hard to deliver for sufferers ensuring that they have services to support them. Unfortunaltey challenges exist within those services and sometimes people do not get the help they need.
Mental Health is often seen as the poor relation in the Health Service and the Government really needs to look at Mental Health services and the funding of those services. Staff who work in Mental Health services work extremely hard and often find it difficult to cope with the demands on them .
I would urge the government not to simply add on mental health at the end of speeches, not just play lip service to sufferers but look deeply at the issues in mental health services. After all a mentally well population are a healthier population and early help is best.
The Charity Mind is a great support service and if you need support I suggest you given them a ring.
