A motion calling for ‘proactive action’ to challenge and reduce stigma around mental health and suicide has been unanimously passed by Isle of Wight councillors.
Ventnor and St Lawrence representative Councillor Ed Blake’s plea for mental health to be prioritised received a warm reception from Full Council at County Hall on Wednesday.
Cllr Blake told Full Council:
“Over the last year, three young men that I grew up with have taken their own lives.
“My cousin came to me – he knew two of them – he said is there anything you can do as a councillor?”
“So I spoke to families and friends of people that have been affected – not only who have lost people but also people who were almost lost.
“I got a meeting with Simon Bryant, director of public health at the Isle of Wight Council, and Sue Cochrane, the council’s suicide lead, which was very helpful.
“Out of it has come this motion.”
Article continues below this advertisement
His proposal said:
“This Council believes as a local authority we have a crucial role to play in improving the mental health of everyone in our community and tackling the stigma that exists on the Island around mental health and suicide.
“Mental health should be a priority across all the local authority’s areas of responsibility.
“All councillors, whether members of the executive or scrutiny and in our community and casework roles, can play a positive role in championing mental health on an individual and strategic basis.”
It also listed 4 actions to be taken:
- promoting training for everyone around mental health and suicide
- increased funding for support services
- developing and promoting community-based support programs
- peer networks and collaborating with local businesses and organisations, including engaging them to promote mental health initiatives in the community and workplaces.
Councillor Michael Lilley, representative for Ryde Appley and Elmfield, said:
“I’d like to thank Cllr Blake for bringing this forward. I am currently supporting a family that lost a life recently.
“This brings incredible grief not only for families but for whole communities.
“Very poignantly, yesterday, it was international men’s day. Men are nearly 80 per cent of these deaths, on the Island it’s nearly 90 per cent.
“When we talk about funding, mental health services across the Island and UK are in crisis.
“We need to get all the parties – and I hope the Isle of Wight Council takes a lead – to talk about this funding issue.”
What effects peoples mental health are “Authorities”
Wouldn’t the world be a better place if politicians
didn’t keep penalising people
High taxes, extortionate Council tax, having to pay to use
toilets, having to pay to park your vehicle along Seafronts
24/7 364 days a year.
Taking away pensioners winter fuel allowance
These actions affect peoples mental Health.
I have signed the petition to call a general election,
nearly 700,000 persons have signed already.