Gilead Foundations Women’s Centre in Jacobstowe has hosted a special visit from Central Devon MP Mel Stride during National Mental Health Awareness Week. The charity, near Okehampton, provides supported living for women who have experienced various life-controlling issues, including domestic abuse, addiction and mental health problems. The centre is run by Lois Samuel, a West Devon and Devon County Councillor and a domestic abuse champion for the Local Government Association.
During his visit Mr Stride spoke with Cllr Samuel about the impact of domestic abuse and substance abuse on mental health. They also talked about the impact of the pandemic in terms of isolation and loneliness – the theme of National Mental Health Awareness Week 2022.
Cllr Samuel said:
“For the first time, mental health is rightly being viewed with the same seriousness as physical health and the pandemic has helped to shine a light on how loneliness and isolation can take its toll. I’m delighted Mel was able to visit Gilead for Mental Health Awareness Week and talk through some of the important issues surrounding national mental health policy.”
Mr Stride added:
“The team here at Gilead do a remarkable job in helping to care for some of the most vulnerable women in our society. I am pleased Lois is using her unique background and expertise to better inform health and wellbeing services and polices at local government level and I will always support the centre in any way I can.”
As a treasury minister in 2018 Mr Stride helped to deliver the largest ever cash boost for the NHS - an addition £20 billion a year in real terms by 2023-24, including an additional £2.3 billion a year for mental health. The funding has helped more children than ever before receive support for mental health problems.