Councillor Welcomes Improved Mental Health Support in Local Schools
All secondary schools to be offered mental health first aid training
Councillor Robert Oulds (Conservative Spokesman for Education) has welcomed new measures which he says will transform the way mental health in Hounslow is dealt with so more children and young people receive support and care.
There will be new support for every secondary school in the borough as part of measures announced recently by the Prime Minister. Each school will be offered mental health first aid training to increase awareness around mental health and help to tackle the unacceptable stigma around the issue. To support this initiative, new proposals will outline how mental health services for schools, universities and families can be improved. A major thematic review of children and adolescent mental health services across the country will be led by the Care Quality Commission, to identify priority areas. A new green paper on children and young people’s mental health is to set out plans to transform services in schools, universities and for families.
These proposals are part of a wide range of measures to improve mental health. There will also be an expert review into how mental wellbeing in the workplace can be improved for so employees. Lord Dennis Stevenson, the long-time campaigner for greater understanding and treatment of mental illness, and Paul Farmer CBE, CEO of Mind and Chair of the NHS Mental Health Taskforce will lead a review on how best to ensure employees with mental health problems are enabled to thrive in the workplace and perform at their best.
More support in the community is promised as well as more online services.
Councillor Robert Oulds commented, “I have shown a keen interest in these issues as a Councillor, as a former cabinet member for Education and Children’s Services, and visited mental health support facilities in Chiswick to show my support and learn more. In particular the Garthowen Care Home, 78 Barrowgate Road in Chiswick.
“These new proposals will ensure children and young people in Hounslow receive the compassion, care and the treatment they deserve. Mental healthcare will be improved in schools, workplaces and universities and those suffering from mental illness will be able to access the right care for their needs, whilst we tackle the injustices people with mental health problems face. “
January 14, 2017
