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New beginnings and future plans for the East Cheshire Mental Health Forum was the key focus when Macclesfield MP, David Rutley recently met with new committee members, Cllr Alift Harewood, Geoff Gray and Ian Hey.

The new group of committee members are dedicated to continuing its focus on advocating and campaigning for enhanced mental health provision across Cheshire East. Following the sad passing of former Chairman, Mike Heale, in 2022, the Forum has been reviewing its approach and re-establishing its role after the pandemic.

The group outlined to David the work they have focused on since the start of the year, committing to regular meetings and developing a speaker programme to engage with their members. Since May, they have had three speakers from a range of organisations, including the Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Trust (CWP), Space4Autism and the organiser of a local First Aid for Mental Health Course.

They have been examining current trends and innovations within mental health services to better determine the impact of the pandemic, especially on young people. They are also interested in the NHS's commitment to fund 100 mental health ambulances over the next two years to ensure more people have access to the appropriate support.

The Forum has recently visited the Crisis Café, located within The Weston Hub, to see first-hand the support it provides in a welcoming space, away from a clinical environment, for those in crisis. The group is also working closely with local GP practices, delivering resources from the Jocelyn Solly Centre and providing CWP information to local supermarkets.

To enable the Forum to gain new prospectives and speak up for as wide a group as possible, they are looking for new members to take an active role in the group.

The East Cheshire Mental Health Forum currently does not have an online presence, other than email.

More information can be found by emailing, [email protected].

Speaking after the meeting, David said "The East Cheshire Mental Health Forum has always played a much-valued role as an advocate for those with mental health challenges across the Borough. It is positive to see the committee has re-formed and is taking forward new plans to continue supporting and making a difference to those with needs. I would urge other interested residents to get involved in the New Year and play their part in this important work."