Mental Health key issue for district council

Mental health has been highlighted as a key issue for all of St Albans City and District Council’s services especially those working in housing and community safety.

A motion setting out the Council’s commitment won unanimous approval from all parties at a meeting of the full Council on Wednesday 24 February.

It was proposed by Liberal Democrat Councillor Anthony Rowlands who was appointed the District’s Mental Health Champion last year.

Councillors Julian Daly, Leader of the Conservative Group, Roma Mills, Leader of the Labour Group and Simon Grover, Green and Independent Group Leader, supported the proposals.

The Council has invested £110,000 over the past four years in 24 mental health projects including telephone helplines, workshops and counselling sessions.

In adopting the motion, the Council resolved to continue its work on mental health by:

  • Backing the Local Authorities Mental Health Challenge, an initiative set up by seven mental health charities to promote the issue;
  • Supporting positive mental health in the community though work with schools, health agencies, Hertfordshire County Council and other groups; and
  • Creating an employer action plan for Time To Change, an organisation that highlights discrimination against those suffering poor mental health.

As part of its Time To Change commitment, the Council will detail its mental health activities and goals.

The motion noted that at least one in four people will experience a mental health problem at some point in their life.

A survey carried out by St Albans Youth Council in 2012/13 found high numbers of young people suffered stress associated with school life.

Councillor Rowlands said: “The motion on mental health has been given overwhelming backing by the Council.

“It is a statement of recognition, intent and, above all, of commitment.

“There is an enormous amount still to be done before we reach a point where we can feel that support for those with mental illnesses is sufficiently accessible and of a high standard.

“We need to be aware of the mental health needs of the young, the lonely, the elderly, those with long-term physical conditions, ethnic minority groups and those living in poverty.

“As Councillors there are important opportunities for us to demonstrate that we are alert to mental health needs of residents.

“We can challenge the stigma, support the voluntary sector and continue to develop our leadership work with young people.”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.