#SpeakYourMind: MPs hear first hand about impact of mental health issues

MPs were told first hand about the real difficulties faced by people living with mental health issues in Leeds at a special reception in Parliament.
By The Newsroom
Published 19th Sep 2017, 14:00 BST
Updated 19th Sep 2017, 14:05 BST
Leeds Mind chief executive Helen Kemp, Leeds North East MP Fabian Hamilton and Gordon Johnston, who spoke about his own experiences.Leeds Mind chief executive Helen Kemp, Leeds North East MP Fabian Hamilton and Gordon Johnston, who spoke about his own experiences.
Leeds Mind chief executive Helen Kemp, Leeds North East MP Fabian Hamilton and Gordon Johnston, who spoke about his own experiences.

The Mental Health: Raise the Bar event, organised by leading mental health charity Mind, saw around 50 MPs discuss the issue at the House of Commons with people affected by mental health in a bid to drive conversation.

Leeds MPs, Fabian Hamilton, Alex Sobel and Hilary Benn heard the experiences of people affected by mental health issues and showed their commitment to improving provision for services in the city by putting their names to a pledge board.

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They were also told about the importance of looking after mental health in the workplace during the reception last Wednesday.

Leeds Mind chief executive Helen Kemp and Leeds North West MP Alex Sobe.Leeds Mind chief executive Helen Kemp and Leeds North West MP Alex Sobe.
Leeds Mind chief executive Helen Kemp and Leeds North West MP Alex Sobe.

It comes 11 months after the YEP launched our #SpeakYourMind campaign, which has been backed by Princes Harry and William and the Prime Minister, to combat mental health stigma in Leeds.Helen Kemp, Chief Executive at Leeds Mind, said: “We are grateful that we had the opportunity to meet with local MPs and that they listened to people’s first hand experiences as well as finding out about some of the work we do to support people in the local community.

“By participating in this event, we hope that MPs recognise the importance of mental health and the vital role they play in ensuring that those of us living with mental health difficulties in Leeds get the services and support we need to recover, stay well and lead fulfilling lives.”

Leeds Mind supports around 3,000 people in Leeds every year through its services, which include employment, wellbeing, peer support, counselling and creative arts.

For more information about Leeds Mind, or support on offer, visit www.leedsmind.org.uk

Related topics:MPsLeedsParliamentMindPrime MinisterHouse of CommonsLeeds Mind