Council to create Mental Health and Wellbeing Recovery plan

A Notice of Motion, tabled by Councillor Lauren Gray and seconded by her Alliance Party colleague, Alderman Gerardine Mulvenna, was agreed at the November meeting of Full Council.

The proposal called for Council to take action to address the increasing mental health ‘pandemic’ and to work across the borough to provide effective support for those in need and expand on current mental health and wellbeing programmes.

The promotion of positive mental health and wellbeing is a strategic priority within Council’s Community Plan and elected members make up a Health Sub Group.

Addressing the meeting, Councillor Gray, said: “Throughout the first lockdown, Council did so much for so many and now we need to channel that energy and support towards the growing list of people who are at risk as the winter months roll in. With further restrictions and Christmas on the horizon, it is extremely lonely.

“These groups would include those living alone of all ages, those grieving a loss, pregnant women who are subject to some terrible restrictions at the moment, single parent households, the elderly, those facing unemployment and financial hardship and anyone else who will find the festive season particularly hard .

“I am glad my Council colleagues from all parties could support this idea, clearing the way for a mental health recovery strategy, placing the same priority on mental health as we are assessing all other aspects of our recovery.”