Importance of looking after your mental health

Sunday 10 October marked World Mental Health Day and the Progressive Alliance is urging people to get help if they need it.

One in six adults experience a common mental health problem each week, such as anxiety or depression, according to The Mental Health Foundation. The charity adds that one in five adults have even considered taking their own life.

Councillor Emily Darlington, Labour Cabinet Member for Adults, Housing and Healthy Communities, said:

"These figures are alarming and they don't even factor in the impact of the pandemic on mental health. Social isolation, financial concerns, and grief are things that we have experienced over the past 18 months and it will take time for people to recover.

"That is why The Progressive Alliance has allocated £750,000 to support people's mental and physical recovery as we emerge from the pandemic."

Studies have also suggested a higher prevalence of mental health problems among the homeless.

Councillor Darlington added:

"We are determined to end rough sleeping for good and will soon be opening our homeless shelter at the old bus station which will provide mental health support.

"The Progressive Alliance is also continuing with its Council Plan commitment of improving access to mental health services for young people by supporting local initiatives such as MK YiS."

There are various ways that people can access mental health support services, including:

• Samaritans (somebody to talk to 24/7 on 116 123)
• MIND BLMK (offering a range of services including webinars and counselling for adults)
• MK YiS (free one-to-one counselling for 11 to 21-year-olds)
• Kooth (free and anonymous online counselling and emotional support for 11 to 21-year-olds)
• NHS-run CAHMS (support for young people and their families, a referral is required)
• Mental Health Crisis Line (available for people needing crisis support, 01908 724365)
• MK Council's Mental Health and Autism Social Care Team (referrals through the MKC ACCESS team)

Councillor Jane Carr, Liberal Democrat Cabinet Member for Tackling Inequalities and Child Poverty, added:

"If you are struggling, or simply need someone to talk to, then please know that you don't have to go through it alone."

The Liberal Democrats are pushing for more support for mental health. To see our national policies from the last general election, please follow this link.