Damien Moore has made an appeal to residents in the town who may be affected by mental health not to suffer in silence.

The new member of parliament who was elected in June has already championed the cause frequently, becoming the deputy-chairman of the all-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Mental Health and most recently welcomed the new £21 million mental health investment into the Town as a huge success.

His appeal follows the announcement by the NHS that one in four people in England are affected by a mental illness, whilst the number of prescriptions prescribed has doubled in the last ten years.

Whilst he has argued that there is more that needs to be done, he says “the mental health agenda is stronger than it ever has been”.

Speaking to Qlocal, he said:

“Following Mental Health Day yesterday I wanted to reach out to my constituents, some of whom may be affected by Mental Health.”

“Since I became the Member of Parliament for Southport I have been contacted by many constituents who have been affected by mental health, all in different ways. “

“According to the NHS, one in four people are affected by a mental illness, whilst the number of prescriptions prescribed in England has doubled in the last ten years.”

“Whilst the mental health agenda is stronger than it ever has been and we are leading the way by reducing the stigma surrounding mental health, there is still so much work we need to do to ensure we are more inclusive and understanding as a nation.”

“With this in mind, I am delighted that Southport is to benefit from an improved £21 million mental health centre, which will go some distance to helping those in my constituency whilst breaking down barriers, and I am reaching out to all those who may be affected by Mental Health not to suffer in silence.”

Anyone who has concerns over their Mental Health can contact Mind on 01257 463 012 or the Samaritans on 116 123.