Following the government's commitment to help to improve the nation's mental health and wellbeing as part of its 'levelling up' agenda, they have begun developing a new 10-year mental health strategy to help and improve mental health services for years to come.
Cllr Deb Huelin, Cabinet Member for Health, said: "The call for evidence from government, encouraging people from all areas of society, to share their experience of mental health by completing an online survey, is the start of this ambitious plan to shift the way we think about and invest in mental health, as well as tackling disparities to level up the country and help our communities to thrive.
"The plan outlines long term action to transform the way that individuals, families, communities, the public, private, voluntary and community sectors, and local and national government support the mental health of the nation.
"With organisations such as Mind reporting as many as 1 in 4 people experiencing a mental health problem of some kind each year in England, and 1 in 6 people reporting experiencing a common mental health problem, such as anxiety and depression in any given week in England, government is encouraging everyone to Talk Mental Health.
"I would strongly encourage residents to get involved by completing the survey, especially if you have experienced mental health issues yourself, have cared for or supported others with mental-ill health or with views on how those with mental health issues can be better supported and promote positive mental wellbeing."
The survey closes at 11:45pm on Thursday 7 July.
For more information and to complete the online survey, go to www.gov.uk/talk-mental-health
If you or a family member are in a crisis and need mental health support, you can
- get information from NHS: how to access mental health services
- if you are over the age of 18, phone the NHS on 111 and select option 2
- if you are under the age of 18, contact NELFT Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Service by phoning 0800 953 0222
- phone Thurrock First on 01375 511 000 from Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm
- phone Thurrock and Brentwood Mind on 01375 391 411
- phone Samaritans on 116 123, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week