A workshop being run on Wednesday 31st August will see mental health professionals from the Council, NHS and other local partners pool their expertise to address a gap in mental health provision affecting elderly residents who are isolated and struggle to access services.
Councillor Tom McGee said ‘Mental health support in Stockport is extremely important and a key priority for the new Council Executive and so I am pleased that this workshop is taking place and that it will be attended by a range of experts who can look at new ways in which support is provided.
‘Mental health services allow people to stay well and play a full and active part in their local communities. Some of the cuts we’ve seen to mental health support services are a false economy, leading to increased costs for public services elsewhere and worse outcomes for the people affected.
‘Labour is focusing on prevention and support rather than only taking action when treatment becomes necessary – that is both the right thing to do for patients and will help ensure scarce resources go as far as they possibly can.’
Since Labour took control of Stockport Council in May the new Executive has already taken action to find a replacement for the Wellbeing Centre in the Town Centre for voluntary groups who provide a range of support for local people. The new space opened on 2nd August on High Street.
Labour has also allocated £150,000 of emergency funding to parts of the local voluntary sector impacted by Council cuts over the last couple of years. One of the key criteria for awarding the funding was the provision of support for local people living with long-term mental health conditions in Stockport.
Councillor McGee added ‘There is always more that we can do to support vital mental health services for those who most need it, and the Council is working in partnership with health organisations, charities and other local mental health stakeholders to ensure Stockport has the best possible local provision.
‘Mental health support will always be a major priority for Stockport Council as long as it is run by a Labour administration.’