Council signs up to the UK mental health challenge

A Bury councillor has been appointed the borough’s new ‘mental health champion’ as part of a national challenge.

The ten-point challenge is for councils to tackle discrimination, reduce inequalities and work with other organisations to deliver health and social care support.

The challenge was set up by seven mental health charities, and Bury has joined a growing number of local authorities in trying to create a positive shift in attitudes towards mental health.

Councillor Trevor Holt, Bury’s new mental health champion, said: “I’m delighted that we’re taking part in this important challenge, especially as one in four of us will experience a mental health condition in any given year.

“It’s vital we promote good mental health and tackle discrimination and the stigma that sadly still surrounds it, and the council has an important role to play in improving the mental health of everyone in our community.

“There is a long way to go to implement all that we need to, but we’ll be looking at how we can help to deliver improved mental health through our own services and through partnership working. I’m confident that we can change attitudes, starting with our social media campaign for World Mental Health Day on Monday 10 October.”

ENDS

Press release issued: 5 October 2016.

Picture: Cllr Trevor Holt, Bury’s new mental health champion, with Cllrs Catherine Preston and Sarah Southworth, deputy cabinet members for health and wellbeing.