Herefordshire’s Adult Better Mental Health Partnership Board* has been accepted as the latest signatory to the government’s ‘Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health’.
This is in recognition of Herefordshire’s success in developing a dedicated plan for partners across Herefordshire to work together to reduce mental health inequalities through preventative and promotional activities.
Herefordshire joins around 70 other local authorities and health partnerships who have pledged their commitment to the Concordat. Signatories become part of a community of practice who are committed to taking preventative and promotional action to support the mental health of everyone in their region. This includes those who are at greater risk of poor mental health and those who are already receiving treatment for mental health issues.
They focus on a number of aspects that are known to affect mental wellbeing, such as early years, family and parenting support, good education and housing, a healthy standard of living, access to green spaces and cultural activities.
Known risk factors such as poverty, discrimination, unemployment, drug and alcohol misuse, homelessness and loneliness are also considered when decisions are taken on how and where to invest in support services.
Councillor Carole Gandy, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing, said:
We are delighted to have been accepted as signatories to the Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health. This is particularly timely, given that this week is National Mental Health Awareness Week.
In Herefordshire, we are committed to investment in services that promote mental wellbeing and prevent mental health conditions and suicide. This aligns with our One Herefordshire Partnership ambitions to improve mental health and wellbeing throughout our lives.
Keeping people mentally well and providing early help will not only benefit the individuals concerned but will also result in social and economic benefits for everyone - and lead to savings in social care and NHS expenditure.
Sue Harris, Director of Strategy and Partnerships at Herefordshire & Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust and Chair of Herefordshire’s Adult Better Mental Health Partnership Board, said:
When people feel supported and mentally well, they are more able to take part in their communities, look after their families, study, work, and enjoy life. It helps children do better at school, helps adults stay active and connected, and helps older people feel valued and included. This is why it is so important that as health and care partners we work together to make this happen. Joining the Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health really acknowledges this and strengthens our future ambition.
Zoe Clifford, Director of Public Health at Herefordshire Council, added:
Mental wellbeing is as important as our physical wellbeing. Being accepted as Prevention Concordat members is fantastic as it recognises the hard work we have done and will continue to do to work with partners and communities across Herefordshire to promote good mental wellbeing and offer mental health support where needed.
* Members of Herefordshire's Better Mental Health Partnership Board
- Herefordshire Council (Public Health, Commissioning, Social Care)
- Taurus Healthcare (Herefordshire General Practice)
- Herefordshire & Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust
- NHS Herefordshire & Worcestershire
- Wye Valley NHS Trust
- Herefordshire Mind
- Herefordshire Disability United
- Experts by experience