Blackburn Constituency News
18 July 2008
Strengthening Community Mental Health Services in Blackburn
On Friday 18th July Jack Straw MP joined the Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust in celebrating work to strengthen community mental health services in Blackburn.
The trust was delighted to welcome Mr Straw to officially open Daisyfield. The new community mental health centre has been developed at a cost of £2.8 million to provide a base for staff who work with people in the community and a place where people can access outpatient treatment.
On unveiling the plaque Mr Straw said: “Mental health issues affect everybody its as common as the common cold and it's time we recognise that. We have also come to recognise that as far as possible we should support people in the community where possible and that's what centres like this one will do. Thank you to everyone that has been involved in this development, you are providing a vital service for the community.“
Before the centre was developed mental health services were scattered around the area. Now people using services can see the full range of professionals from health and social care under one roof.
Chief Executive Finlay Robertson said: “The level of investment we have made shows our commitment to strengthening mental health services in the community. We are grateful for the support that we have received from our partners, Blackburn with Darwen PCT and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council in making such massive improvements in services.
“An additional £32 million has been invested in Lancashire to respond to people's needs around the clock. We are also in the process of developing four new inpatient units at a cost of £150 million over the next ten years. This really is good news for mental health and I am delighted to finally see the people that use our services getting the quality that they deserve.”
Background Information
Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust provides mental health services for adults and older people and substance misuse services for a population of around 1.4 million people. The trust covers the whole of the county and employs around 3,500 members of staff at more than 100 sites.
Little Harwood area residents' meeting
Friday evening saw Jack hold his third residents' meeting in the Little Harwood area. The meeting took place at Little Harwood Community Centre and was attended by about 40 local residents.
Amongst the issues raised were concerns that the War Memorial and surrounding gardens were becoming neglected and attracting under age drinkers who were littering the area. A number of residents were also unhappy that the grassed area around the Robinson Street astroturf was becoming overgrown.
Local Councillor, Abdul Patel expressed concern about a local family causing anti social behaviour problems in the area - an issue being taken up by both the Council and local police.