Legal News

Newham Council in east London is holding a wide range of advice, support and awareness raising sessions during Mental Health Awareness Week this week, to highlight the services available to Newham residents affected by mental health conditions.

Figures show that at least one in four people will experience a mental health issue during their lives – and one in six adults will have a common mental health problem, such as anxiety or depression.

At any given time, around 47,000 people in Newham will have a common mental health illness, says the council.

Mental Health Awareness Week is organised by the Mental Health Foundation and this year the campaign theme is Survive or Thrive.

During the week – which runs from Monday 8 May to Sunday 14 May –Newham Council and other partners will be raising awareness of the support available for residents who have stress, depression, loneliness or anxiety.

Among the events being held are an event on Wednesday 10 May from 10.30am-12.30pm at Plaistow Library, where residents will be able to find out more about mental illness from a range of organisations, including mental health charity MIND and Newham Talking Therapies.

On Thursday 11 May from 2pm-5pm at Stratford Advice Centre, the Newham ASK forum – supported by the council’s co-production service – will be hosting one of its monthly meetings for people who have experienced mental health issues and their carers.

Newham Child and Family Consultation Service will also meet at York House, Barking Road on Thursday 11 May, from 10am-12pm – the service supports children and young people experiencing mental health difficulties and their families and carers and there will be an opportunity for people to learn more about the service

On Friday 12 May, from 2pm-4pm at The Gate Library in Forest Gate, a free support and advice event entitled Are you surviving or thriving? will include a talk by the Alzheimer’s Society.

During Mental Health Awareness Week, the Young Mayor of Newham, Khadija Sethi, will also be raising awareness of mental health issues affecting young people, through a social media campaign #MindMatters.

Newham Council’s mayoral advisor for adults and health, Councillor Clive Furness, said:

“Mental health problems are something that can affect anyone – it can impact on how we feel about ourselves and others and how we deal with difficult and stressful situations.

“Our mental resilience is what helps us cope with the pressures of our daily lives, both at work and at home – it is important we help people develop the ability to manage the challenges life throws at them and where they can turn for help and support.

“This support is available throughout the year, but Mental Health Awareness Week provides the perfect opportunity for us to highlight the vast array of support on offer for any resident affected by mental illness.”

Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors

Duncan Lewis is the UK’s largest provider of Legal Aid mental health services and can advise mental health patients on a wide range of issues – including access to NHS mental health services and detention under the Mental Health Act.

Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors regularly visit NHS hospitals to advise on mental health law – and are available across England and Wales at short notice for hospital and police station appointments.

In some cases, Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors may be able to advise the nearest relative or carer of a mental health patient on a range of issues, including initiating treatment reviews where appropriate.

For expert legal advice on mental health law, call the Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors Helpline on 020 3114 1124.