Emma has called for better mental health services in the North East at an event organised by the mental health charity Mind this week. Emma met with local campaigners and representatives from Tyneside Mind to hear the experiences of people living with mental health problems in the North East.
Emma said:
“I’m proud to be a supporter of Mind in Shields and in Parliament. Thanks to organisations like theirs, public understanding of mental health is improving and politicians are starting to understand the importance of properly funding mental health services.
“Over the last Parliament mental health budgets fell faster than other areas of health spending, even though demand for mental health services was on the rise. We need strong voices to defend these services in Parliament, and I look forward to working with Mind to do just that.”
Louise Rubin, Parliamentary Manager at Mind, said:
“Supporting constituents with mental health problems is one of the biggest challenges an MP faces today, so we were really delighted to see Emma at our event this week. Every year, mental health problems will affect one in four people in their constituency, which is more people than will develop heart disease or cancer.
“All parties have committed to valuing mental and physical health equally and we’ve now reached a critical stage in determining the future of mental health and wellbeing in our country. Much of the power to make a difference now sits with local decisions makers so MPs play a vital role in securing good quality support for people in their constituency, as well as promoting mental health at a national level.”