The West Oxfordshire District Council Executive has committed £10,000 to enhance mental health support for local residents. This funding is aimed at addressing gaps in services and reinforcing the valuable work of community groups supplementing NHS mental health services in the area.
Councillor Rachel Crouch, the Executive Member for Stronger, Healthier Communities and the Council’s Mental Health Champion, expressed the importance of supporting local mental health initiatives. “Mental health support across the district is diverse, and we know that many individuals are not receiving the help they need. At the same time, there are outstanding local groups making a real difference alongside NHS services,” Crouch said.
The £10,000 allocation is part of the Council’s New Initiatives funding, designed to address local issues and improve the district’s overall well-being. The Council is aware that while the funding may not be large in comparison to NHS budgets, it aims to target resources effectively for maximum impact.
To ensure the funding is used effectively, the Council plans to convene a summit later this year at the Woodgreen Offices. This event will bring together local mental health specialists to better understand the needs of frontline services and discuss the best ways to allocate the funds.
This initiative builds on the Council’s broader efforts to improve mental health support in West Oxfordshire, including the £60,000 already committed to two mental health organizations in the district and the recent “Be Kind to Your Mind” campaign. This campaign encouraged residents to prioritize their mental health and provided valuable resources and support.
Through these ongoing efforts, the Council hopes to make a tangible difference in the mental health services available to local residents.
