Help is at hand in new MIND centre

Launch of mental health charity MIND in Oldham. Back row l-r, Cllr. Brian Lord, Theresa Ibbotson (Care and Family Support worker), Gemma Wynne-Jones (Independent Mental Health Advocate), Richard Edwards (director MIND), Keith Holloway (asst. director NHS Oldham). Front row l-r, Cllr. Jean Jones, Gail Richards (chief exec. NHS Oldham), Mayor Cllr. Shoab Akhtar, Fozia Amin (MIND Oldham services manager), Mayoress Shafeena Kaus

OLDHAMERS with emotional or psychological difficulties will now find it easier to get advice and support thanks to the launch of a new mental health charity.

Mind has officially opened at The Lodge in Hunters Lane to give sufferers and their carers a place to go when they need a helping hand.

Anita Rolfe, NHS Oldham’s mental health lead, said: “We are delighted that Mind will have a presence in Oldham.

“It will provide local service users and carers with a support network and allow them to have a voice and contribute to the continual improvement of mental health services in the borough.”

Tameside, Oldham and Glossop Mind is a not-for-profit organisation with offices based in Oldham and Tameside promoting well-being through social engagement and creative opportunities.

Worthwhile

The launch co-incides with a national focus on mental health provision which takes place when the National Mental Health Development Unit starts work on April 1.

The news comes as it was revealed that at some point in their lives, one in four of us will develop a mental health problem.

Oldham Council’s Cabinet member for adult services and health, Councillor Brian Lord, said: “We are very pleased to be working alongside this worthwhile charity to help people with mental health issues.

“We strongly recommend that if anybody does have any questions about mental health they contact the team at Mind.”

For more information contact 0161-620 0123 or visit www.oldham-mind.org