ARCHIVED news story
Council leader calls on residents to join mental health trust
Released on 13 October 2006
More ordinary people are taking courage and talking about the mental health problems they have suffered
Council Leader Vivienne Clifford-Jackson
Council leader Vivienne Clifford-Jackson has called on residents in South Norfolk to join Norfolk and Waveney Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust.
She also spoke out on mental ill health, and called for more openness about the issue.
Her comments come after a week of unprecedented media and other interest following World Mental Health Day.
She wants residents to join the Trust and help it achieve foundation status because she believes that will help improve services to people with mental health problems and in turn help what she called "the unsung heroes of mental health, the carers".
The South Norfolk leader, who applied for membership of the Trust recently, believes mental health is an issue many people are still too afraid to discuss or even admit to.
She said:
"World Mental Health Day this week has got more ordinary people talking more openly about this.
"On Wednesday, the media was full of talk about the mental health issues of celebrities and media personalities. These celebrities and personalities made the crucial first move, and we should thank them and the media for what they have done.
"As a result, more ordinary people are now taking courage and talking about the mental health problems they have suffered.
"This has been a great source of help and comfort to many people, and especially to those who care for those with mental health problems. And that needs to continue."
She added:
"Regarding the Trust, my advice is join them now. People should not be put off membership by worries about time commitments. How active you become as a member is up to you.
"The Trust's governors are chosen from the membership, and are elected by the membership, and it is through them that you can really influence the type of services the Trust provides, or where it provides them.
"And you don't need to know someone with mental ill health to become a member. It is also for people who care about others and about their community, and we all care about that."
Cllr Clifford-Jackson has also ensured that the council's staff are aware of the Trust's membership drive, and has had application brochures placed in the Council's reception.
For more information, email foundationtrust@nwmhp.nhs.uk or call 01603 421494.
Related pages
Contact us
| contact officer/team: | Communications Team |
|---|---|
| web: | online enquiry form |
| email: | communicationsteam@s-norfolk.gov.uk |
| telephone: | 01508 533611 or 01508 533983 |
| minicom/textphone: | 01508 533622 |
| address: | South Norfolk House Swan Lane Long Stratton Norwich NR15 2XE |
|
|
|
If you need information in large print, audio cassette, braille, translation (written or verbal) or signed interpretation, let us know when you contact us.
