Mental health website backed by Tory leader
Published: 11 June, 2010
by PETER GRUNER
THE new leader of Islington’s Conservatives, Richard Bunting, is supporting a nationwide drive to stop the stigmatizing of people with mental health problems.
Mr Bunting, 36, who revealed in the Islington Tribune before standing at the local elections how he witnessed his own sister suffer a psychological breakdown, is calling for greater awareness and understanding of the illness.
As part of Carers Week (June 14-20), mental health professionals are highlighting the benefits of a website, mentalhealthcare.org.uk, which they say gives straightforward information, advice and support to relatives and friends of people with psychosis.
This is described as a set of symptoms that include delusions, hallucinations and confused or disturbed thoughts.
Islington has one of the highest levels of mental health need in the country. Over 31,000 adults have depression and anxiety disorders and serious mental illness cases are twice the national average.
Mr Bunting has just been appointed chairman of Islington Conservative Association after co-ordinating the election campaign and is lead governor at the Islington and Camden Mental Health Trust.
He said: “There’s a huge amount of stigma and discrimination against people with mental health problems. Businesses can recognize the signs of mental illness and see that people get help.
“And a breakdown shouldn’t be considered different to any other illness, like breaking your leg, provided that a person is fit enough eventually to get back to work. One in four people will suffer a mental health condition in their life and the numbers are rising.
“Each individual case is different and requires specific help.”
Virginia Low, who set up the Islington based Stuart Low Trust in memory of her son who committed suicide, is also supporting the campaign. The Trust holds drop-in sessions at St Mary’s Church, Upper Street, on Friday and Sundays.
Ms Low said: “Sadly the only time you hear about mental illness is when something goes wrong. There is a lack of understanding. People like boxer Frank Bruno and actor Stephen Fry do try and change the perception but there’s a long way to go.”
Phil Kenny of the Maytree Respite Centre in Finsbury Park, which cares for people contemplating suicide, said he would love to see a more enlightened society.
“Today with all the pressures and the fears for the future, people still often feel very much alone.”
Website wise
All the information on mentalhealthcare.org.uk is based on published research. The site is a joint venture between The Institute of Psychiatry at King’s College London and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust.