Council hails mental health conference success
NHS, council officials and local service users get heads together at local event.
Selby
More than 50 health and local government officials have been in town today at the town played host to a conference on mental heath.
The event, the first of its kind in the district, brought together health professionals, medical practitioners, voluntary and community groups as well as local service users with the aim of raising awareness of mental health.
The workshops at the event mapped out the mental health services already on offer in the district and identified potential gaps in provision of services in the area.
Attendees included officers from Selby District Council plus representatives from Selby College, Selby Abbey, North Yorkshire County Council, North Yorkshire Youth Commission, Healthwatch North Yorkshire and various sectors of the NHS including Living Well.
Representatives from charitable organisations included Carers Count, Mencap, Brighter Futures, York Mind, Citizens Advice and Selby AVS.
Cllr Richard Musgrave (Con, SDC Appleton Roebuck & Church Fenton) who takes a lead on health issues for on SDC's executive commented, “The value of this event is huge. It’s about getting together the people who can directly influence service provision with those who use these services – and that is
“Moving forward we will look at how we can use this information to make sure there is better provision in the district and ensure that support for mental health service users is where it needs to be.”
The event was opened by Selby District Council director of corporate services and commissioning, Julie Slatter and included speakers from NHS mental health services based at Worsley Court and York Mind’s Hannah Hessle who talked about a new befriending service in Selby.
John Venable, a user of mental health services, spoke movingly at the event sharing his experiences.
He explained the significance of this event, “We should use every tool we have to help people and support the person who needs our help.”
A second event to build on the networks made and information gathered is now being arranged.