Statement by TUV Ballyclare Councillor David Arthurs:
“I was delighted to be able to launch Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s association with Mind Wise this morning along with the council’s other mental health champion, Councillor Noreen McClelland.
“Too often mental health problems are hidden by those who suffer. In my role as one of the mental health champions for the council I want to play my part in dispelling the sigma which unfortunately surrounds this illness. Unless people reach out for help the problem will only continue to get worse. I want people to be aware that there is assistance out there and they don’t have to suffer alone and in silence.
“Mind Wise offers support for those with mental illness through safe and affordable housing for those struggling to adopt to the changes involved when they move from hospital back to independent living, one-to-one and group work providing informal social contact and practical help and a wide range of other services.
“While there is a place for charities which provide support over the telephone Mind Wise does much more and I am delighted that the council has teamed up with them to highlight the issue of mental wellbeing and the support available.
“As one of the council’s champions on mental health I will be doing all I can to promote Mind Wise and other services throughout the Borough.”