Theo Clarke MP launches Stafford Mental Health Covenant

Stafford MP has launched the Stafford Mental Health Covenant with Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT).

On Friday, February 4 at the launch at St George’s Hospital in Stafford, Staffordshire, Theo Clarke was delighted to be joined by members of the Stafford Mental Health Network who have signed up to the Covenant, including Cllr Ann Edgeller, National Farmers Union, MOD Stafford and Staffordshire Police.

The Stafford Mental Health Covenant will enable organisations in Staffordshire to show their backing for the Stafford Mental Health Network (SMHN) and their commitment to supporting people with their mental health and wellbeing. Organisations who have signed up to the covenant will display it in their businesses along with leaflets which give details of who Stafford residents can contact for a range of support.

Signatories of the Covenant have committed to:

• Challenging stigma wherever it appears
• Championing the rights of children and young people in Stafford to help them to achieve their maximum potential
• Reaching out to rural and isolated communities in Staffordshire
• Contributing to finding innovative solutions to mental health services for all

The Stafford Mental Health Covenant has been developed by members of the Stafford Mental Health Network. Theo Clarke MP launched the Stafford Mental Health Network with the Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust on World Mental Health Day in October 2020.

The Network helps local residents and organisations discuss mental health together and provides people with information on accessing suitable mental health support in Stafford.

Theo holds regular mental health roundtables with members of the SMHN where organisations and stakeholders come together regularly to discuss mental health matters.

Theo has also created a page on her website where Stafford constituents can visit to find more information on accessing mental health support in Staffordshire.

Theo Clarke, MP for Stafford said: “Since founding the Stafford Mental Health Network in 2020, it has grown from strength to strength, and I was pleased last year to secure the Prime Minister’s backing for the Stafford Mental Health Network.

“From hosting mental health roundtables with members of the Network it was clear to me that it would be helpful for Stafford residents to have clearer information about the support available in Stafford.

“I am delighted to be launching the Stafford Mental Health Covenant at Stafford’s St George’s Hospital.

“Thank you to all the members of the Stafford Mental Health Network who have helped develop the Stafford Mental Health Covenant and all the local organisations which have already signed up to the Covenant.

“I recently presented the Covenant in Parliament to Gillian Keegan MP, the Mental Health Minister, and I am pleased that she supports what we are doing with the Stafford Mental Health Network and I will continue to work with the Mental Health Minister to improve mental health provision in Stafford.”

Gillian Keegan MP, Mental Health Minister added: “It’s crucial that people in Stafford know where they can get help if they need it – particularly with the challenges we’ve faced over the last two years.

“The Stafford Mental Health Network’s Covenant is an important new initiative and another step forward in tackling the stigma associated with mental health and will ensure people know how to access tools and resources to support their wellbeing.

“I urge anyone who is struggling to reach out – the NHS is open and help is there 24/7.”

Neil Carr, Chief Executive MPFT said: “I am delighted that so many diverse organisations have come together and are committed to challenging the stigma around mental health.

“Talking openly about mental health is one of the best ways of ensuring people get the help they need, when they need it. I would encourage both individuals and organisations to show your support and sign the network’s covenant.”