On Friday, 24th February I was invited to visit The Lowdown – an organisation in Northampton which gives support to young people with mental health conditions.
I have been aware of the excellent work of The Lowdown in Northampton for many years, since before I was an MP when they would provide reports for the courts on behalf of young people in trouble.
I was very pleased to see their newly-refurbished facilities, meet some of the dedicated staff, and hear how many local young people have been helped – the impressive dedication of the staff and volunteers was very clear from my visit. The Lowdown provides a much needed public service and thus helps to alleviate some of the pressures placed on our public health services by mental health complications.
Awareness of the causes and potential treatments for mental health issues has been making slow but steady progress in this country and it is vital that we continue in this work. As many as 1 in 6 of the population will experience mental health issues in their lifetime. It is important that we take mental health seriously and put it on a par with physical health issues. You can also read this full story in the Chronicle and Echo newspaper here: http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/northampton-based-support-group-for-young-people-calls-for-certainty-over-future-funding-1-7840714.