Cuts mean 'more people are killing themselves in Rochdale', says Simon Danczuk

Simon Danczuk MP

MP Simon Danczuk has urged the Government to better fund projects for people at risk of suicide, saying recent cuts have meant “more people are killing themselves in Rochdale”.

Speaking in a House of Commons debate on mental health, the Rochdale MP called for additional public health funds for local councils.

During the debate, Mr Danczuk praised the award winning Growth Project, which provides a safe and supportive environment to those with mental health issues at a number of allotments.

However, the initiative, a joint venture between Rochdale Mind and Hourglass, faces the loss of £20,000 worth of grants as Rochdale Council attempts to cope with unprecedented cuts.

Mr Danczuk said that “rhetoric alone” would not fulfill the Government’s promise to put mental and physical health on an equal footing.

Making the case for more funding for initiatives like the Growth Project, the Mr Danczuk highlighted the alarming growth in the suicide rate in Rochdale since 2010.

He said: “Put simply, more people are killing themselves in Rochdale.

“Only one percent of public health spending is focused on mental health. This will only be further compounded by the fact that the money for public health given to councils will fall by 3.9 percent year on year, which will be 18 percent by the end of this parliament.

“The Growth Project has a proven track record that shows the improvement in an individual’s wellbeing. It promotes good mental and physical health through outdoor activity in a green environment, where participants can quite literally see the fruits of their labour.

“This project embodies the essence of equality of mental and physical health. Although this project is a voluntary organisation, fighting mental health issues must not be seen as an act of charity, it is about justice and necessity.”