Strategy will promote good mental health in the county

People with mental health problems in Staffordshire will be supported to take control of their mental wellbeing, benefit from equal access to services, and receive a timely response to crises.

It’s all part of a new five-year mental health strategy that aims to build strong and resilient communities, promote good mental health, and help people to find the support they need.

The strategy, which has been produced by Staffordshire County Council and theStaffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB), has been put together following months of consultation with local people.

Nearly 700 people have contributed to the production of the strategy, which included a countywide survey that asked people about their mental health needs.

As well as residents, the views of professionals, other key organisations, carers and those with mental health problems were also asked for their views.

County Councillor Julia Jessel, Staffordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Health and Care said: “Good mental health is incredibly important, especially as around one in 4 people are affected by some kind of mental health issue at any time. We need to build strong and resilient communities and individuals who are in control of their own mental wellbeing.

“This new strategy, which has been produced with the NHS, local communities, mental health professionals and those who use the services and their carers, aims to help everyone improve and maintain their mental wellbeing, and help people of all ages with severe long-term mental health problems to live productive and fulfilling lives.”

Dr Paul Edmondson Jones, ICB Chief Medical Officer said: “Tackling mental health problems isn’t something that the NHS can tackle alone because the causes are so wide varied. Factors ranging from the cost-of-living crisis to drug and alcohol addiction all have an impact on the residents of Staffordshire, so we have to tackle this as part of a broad partnership.

“I am delighted cabinet will be considering this report next week.”

The new strategy will be discussed by Staffordshire Council Council’s cabinet on March 15.