Cash bid for mental health plans across GM communities

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester health bosses are gearing up to agree plans and business cases that can improve mental health - as each of the area’s ten boroughs are set to apply for a share of almost £11m designated for work that supports communities and the wellbeing of those who live there.

The funding is part of a major £134m four-year action plan to help to transform mental health in Greater Manchester, which was announced in summer by Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership (GMHSC Partnership) – the body overseeing the region’s devolved £6bn health and social care budget.

The overall programme – the biggest and most ambitious of its kind in the country – aims not only to put mental health on an equal footing with physical health, but to start to deliver the area’s vision of making sure that no child who needs mental health support will be turned away.

In July, Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham described the programme as ‘potentially life-changing’ for thousands of people.

Now, each of the ten boroughs in Greater Manchester has the chance to apply for part of the cash that can help towards making their services sustainable and putting more of a focus on prevention and early intervention. The cases will be heard by Christmas when more details will be made available.

The news comes ahead of World Mental Health Day as GMHSC Partnership boss Jon Rouse paid tribute to all those in Greater Manchester caring for someone facing mental health issues and also as GM Mayor Andy Burnham met staff and patients at Greater Manchester Mental Health and Care Trust.

Jon Rouse, said: “Good mental health underpins personal potential and every facet of our society. The days of stigma have to be left to history as we build a future that makes no divide or judgement between mental and physical health.”

“Today I’d like to thank all those in our workforce who not only embrace this ethos, but help to spread that care and compassion throughout our communities in Greater Manchester.”

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: "Looking after our mental health is an important as taking care of our physical health.”

"That's why this investment is crucial and I look forward to the plans from all areas of Greater Manchester about how we can best utilise these funds to really make a difference to people's lives.”

"Poor mental health affects so many people and we won't solve the problem overnight but by talking openly about it, encouraging others to do so and investing in effective support, we can make positive steps towards improving people's lives."