Leading Haringey Lib Dem Appointment to Top Mental health Task Group

6.24.05pm GMT Mon 12th Sep 2005

Haringey Lib Dem health spokesperson Cllr Ron Aitken has been appointed by the Local Government Association (LGA) to it's mental health task force. The body is working to produce a vision for mental health for the next 10 to 15 years.

The task group is made up of representatives of all political parties, as well as the Sainsbury Foundation for Mental Health, the Association of Directors of Social Services and the NHS Confederation.

The remit of the Task Force has been to produce a report for the Autumn which will seek to influence policy makers at national, regional and local level to develop new policies for the treatment and prevention of mental illness. It also aims to improve implementation of existing policy and ensure that the profile of mental health issues is raised at all levels, particularly to combat stigma and prejudice against those who may have suffered from mental ill-health.

Cllr Ron Aitken (Crouch End) comments: "One in six of the population will at one time or another suffer from mental health difficulties and almost every person will know of a family member or partner who suffers from mental illness.

"We must therefore treat this issue seriously and avoid the difficulties experienced by many people who have no access to help and support until their condition becomes critical."