On Tuesday the 10th, I attended Worthing’s 11th year of Mental Health awareness week events co-hosted by Bob Smytherman, previous Mayor of Worthing, and Melanie Peters in aid of spreading awareness of the challenges for those experiencing mental issues.
I was invited to discuss mental health developments in Parliament and about my role as the Shadow Minister for Mental Health. Important topics were discussed, such as the stigmatisation of mental health and integration into our care system, as mental health issues are equally as concerning as physical health impediments.
It was great to see representatives from across Worthing and Adur industries such as ///, hospitality guru. /// reflected on the need to change the narrative surrounding the institutionalised phrase of, “the customer is always right” and the effects this has and continues to have on the hospitality sector who suffers from high employment gaps, even with the 9.5% average increase post-pandemic.
West Sussex Mind, Breakeven and Gamblers Anonymous discussed local support systems for those affected in the surrounding area. This coincided with the re-launch of my mental health service website: Local Services & Help | Tim Loughton (adurandworthingmentalhelp.org.uk). This signposts people to council and NHS services for assisting mental health as well as Mind who provide advice and care for those throughout their diagnosis.
It was also great to see the faces of Health and Social Care first year students from Worthing College.
