FOLLOWING the government commitment to help to improve the nation’s mental health and wellbeing as part of the ‘levelling up’ agenda, they have started to develop a new 10 year Mental Health strategy to help and improve mental health services for years to come.
Cllr Deb Huelin, Cabinet Member for Health, said: “The call for evidence from government, encouraging people from all areas of society, to share their experience of mental health by completing an online survey, is the start of this ambitious plan to shift the way we think about and invest in mental health, as well as tackling disparities to level up the country and help our communities to thrive. The plan outlines long term action to transform the way that individuals, families, communities, the public, private, voluntary and community sectors, and local and national government support the mental health of the nation.
“With organisations such as Mind reporting as many as 1 in 4 people experiencing a mental health problem of some kind each year in England, and 1 in 6 people reporting experiencing a common mental health problem, such as anxiety and depression in any given week in England, Government are encouraging everyone to #TalkMentalHealth. I would strongly encourage residents to get involved by completing the survey, especially if you have experienced mental health issues yourself, have cared for or supported others with mental-ill health or with views on how those with mental health issues can be better supported and promote positive mental wellbeing.”
The survey closes at 11:45pm on Thursday 7 July. For more information and to complete the online survey visit www.gov.uk/talk-mental-health
If you, or a family member, are in a crisis and require mental health support, the following organisations are here to help you:
- NHS advice can be found online
- If you are over the age of 18, you can call111 and select option 2
- If you are under the age of 18, contact NELFT Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Service by calling 0800 953 0222
- contact Thurrock First who are open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday by calling 01375 511 000
- Thurrock and Brentwood Mind are available by calling 01375 391 411
- Samaritans are available 24/7 by calling 116 123
