Trust celebrates a year of helping mentally ill patients

The Somerset Partnership Foundation Trust Members Council is celebrating its first year of helping people with mental health problems.

One in four individuals will be affected by a condition of this type during some point of their lives. Stress, anxiety and depression are the most common illnesses, explained chair of the trust Linda Nash.

Compared to other physical problems, many do not treat mental disorders in the same way and this needs to change, she added.

Members of the public who have a particular interest in this issue make up the council, which acts as a sounding board for local services.

They were thanked by Ms Nash for their views and reassurance throughout the past 12 months.

She said: “Whilst your advice helps develop our strategic health service plans, it is your role as mental health service champions, which is most important.”

To mark the occasion, patients, staff and carers invited the public to an event where displays and presentations were on show to educate people how they can manage certain conditions.

The trust is located in Lufton, Yeovil.