Richard Holden, MP for North West Durham, has written to the Chief Executive Officer of Mind regarding the closure of Derwentside Mind.
Mind are a charity that provides advice and support to those experiencing mental health problems. As part of the services they offer, they have established Local Mind to support people in communities across the country. Derwentside Mind was a part of this and offered both practical and emotional support to adults who were suffering from mental health problems. Anyone was able to get in touch with them and they ran wellbeing groups, social groups, as well as offering one to one therapy and advice services.
However, it was recently announced that Derwentside Mind is closing and, from 30th September, will no longer offer mental health services to the community.
Richard has written to Paul Farmer, the Chief Executive Officer of Mind, to seek clarification about why the decision was taken to shut Derwentside Mind. He has also asked for a meeting with Mind to discuss both the closure and mental health services more generally. Richard has been campaigning for better mental health services in North West Durham since being elected – you can read about this here.
Commenting, Richard said:
“It is very important that people across North West Durham and the wider UK have access to good mental health services when they need it – I know many of my constituents agree with me on this
“I am extremely concerned about the closure of Derwentside Mind, and the potentially negative impact this could have on some of my most vulnerable constituents. I hope to meet with Mind to discuss this issue and to have a further conversation about local services more generally, and what we can do to help the communities in North West Durham.
“Whatever the outcome of this issue is, I will continue to campaign for improved mental health services in the constituency. As someone with family members who have struggled with mental health problems, it’s something really close to my heart and I know how important an issue it is for many of you.
“If anyone has any queries, concerns or issues relating to mental health, please drop me an email and my office will do all we can to help.”
HELPFUL LINKS
- If you are experiencing feelings of distress and isolation, or are struggling to cope, The Samaritans offers support; you can speak to someone free of charge over the phone, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org , or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
- If you are suicidal or have lost someone due to suicide and need help and support, please contact If U Care share via their website here for support or phone 0191 387 5661.
- MIND the charity for better mental health can be contacted by visiting their website or calling 0300 123 3393.
All of the above charities also welcome donations and information can be found on their websites. You can also find governmental advice from the Department of Health and Social Care about dealing with mental health during the coronavirus crisis here.
To hear more about the work that Richard is doing for North West Durham, you can sign up here or input your details in the form on this page.