On Friday 4th February, Theo Clarke, MP for Stafford and Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT) launched the Stafford Mental Health Covenant. At the launch at St George’s Hospital in Stafford, Ms Clarke was delighted to be joined by members of the Stafford Mental Health Network who have signed up to the Covenant, and Capt Kennaugh (RCMO), and Capt Denham (UWO) representing 16 Signal Regiment, Cllr Ann Edgeller, National Farmers Union, MOD Stafford and Staffordshire Police.
The Stafford Mental Health Covenant will enable organisations in Staffordshire including 16 Signal Regiment to show their backing for the Stafford Mental Health Network (SMHN) and their commitment to supporting people with their mental health and wellbeing. Organisations who have signed up to the covenant will display it in their businesses along with leaflets which give details of who Stafford residents can contact for a range of support. Signatories of the Covenant have committed to:
- Challenging stigma wherever it appears
- Championing the rights of children and young people in Stafford to help them to achieve their maximum potential
- Reaching out to rural and isolated communities in Staffordshire
- Contributing to finding innovative solutions to mental health services for all
The Stafford Mental Health Covenant has been developed by members of the Stafford Mental Health Network. Theo Clarke MP launched the Stafford Mental Health Network with the Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust on World Mental Health Day in October 2020. The Network helps local residents and organisations discuss mental health together and provides people with information on accessing suitable mental health support in Stafford. Theo holds regular mental health roundtables with members of the SMHN where organisations and stakeholders, including 16 Signal Regiment come together regularly to discuss mental health matters. Theo has also created a page on her website where Stafford constituents can visit to find more information on accessing mental health support in Staffordshire here
Theo Clarke, MP for Stafford said:
“Since founding the Stafford Mental Health Network in 2020, it has grown from strength to strength, and I was pleased last year to secure the Prime Minister’s backing for the Stafford Mental Health Network. From hosting mental health roundtables with members of the Network it was clear to me that it would be helpful for Stafford residents to have clearer information about the support available in Stafford.
“I am delighted to be launching the Stafford Mental Health Covenant at Stafford’s St George’s Hospital today. Thank you to all the members of the Stafford Mental Health Network who have helped develop the Stafford Mental Health Covenant and all the local organisations which have already signed up to the Covenant. I recently presented the Covenant in Parliament to Gillian Keegan MP, the Mental Health Minister, and I am pleased that she supports what we are doing with the Stafford Mental Health Network and I will continue to work with the Mental Health Minister to improve mental health provision in Stafford.”
Neil Carr, Chief Executive MPFT said:
“Today is a momentous day. I am delighted that so many diverse organisations have come together and are committed to challenging the stigma around mental health. Talking openly about mental health is one of the best ways of ensuring people get the help they need, when they need it. I would encourage both individuals and organisations to show your support and sign the network’s covenant.”
