Mental health commission heads to Westminster

Norman Lamb MP, chair of the West Midlands Combined Authority's (WMCA) mental health commission, met with the region's MP in parliament last week.

Mr Lamb arranged the briefing for MP's to discuss the key lines of enquiry identified by the commission. The panel will be considering employment and housing, the principles around early intervention, criminal justice, the role of employers and primary care.

It is hoped that the evidence based commission will create a blueprint for change in the region and beyond and will also play a key role in the WMCA's ambition to deliver public sector reform.

Mr Lamb explained:

I have had a positive meeting with the regional MP's who welcomed the briefing and who have given their support to both the commission and our proposed key lines of enquiry. I will be working hard with the commission panel to get out to as many relevant organisations as possible, to ensure we understand how poor mental health impacts on people's lives and the economy of the region

Councillor Darren Cooper, vice chair of the shadow WMCA, said:

As a registered mental health nurse I am very pleased to be sponsoring this commission. I know that Norman Lamb and his panel have already been talking and getting evidence from people and organisations with real mental health experience but it's also important to get key influencers on board, which is why this week's event in Westminster was so appropriate and timely

Ends

The West Midlands Combined Authority is based on the geography of the three Local Enterprise Partnerships which cover the Black Country, Coventry and Warwickshire and Greater Birmingham and Solihull. The WMCA is being led by the seven metropolitan councils: Birmingham, Dudley Sandwell , Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton.

Further information contact: jan.jennings@dudley.gov.uk mobile 07885 235566