Richard Benyon MP for Newbury joined other supporters and contributors in Newbury last night to celebrate the end of Brighter Berkshire’s year of mental health.
He said, ‘Just over a year ago, we started with a planning workshop. Despite being last minute and in the run-up to Christmas, the room at the Rugby Club was packed. It was clear that this was an initiative that many individuals and organisations wanted to be part of.
‘It has been an extraordinary year and I want to pay tribute to Ali Foster and her team who have put mental health right at the top of the agenda across the county. Now established as a Community Interest Company, Brighter Berkshire has raised awareness, challenged stigma and brought people together. It has raised over £200,000 which will go towards future projects through its link with the Berkshire Community Foundation.
‘I am delighted to have been involved – from raising mental health at Prime Minister’s Questions and in debates in Parliament, through to visits to Prospect Park, the Samaritans, the Emotional Health Academy, the Suicide Prevention Action Group and the Health & Wellbeing Board. Putting mental health on a par with physical health and ensuring that people in West Berkshire get the care and support they need, is of paramount importance and I intend to continue working for improvements to our mental health services across the board.’