By Deborah Best, Head of Mental Health Department At Needham Poulier Solicitors.
London, England. (News of The South) – Mental Health has recently become a hot topic, aided by the ‘Heads Together’ campaign, spearheaded by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry.
The fact is that mental health is an area which will touch almost everyone’s life, in some shape or form, whether personally or through family, relatives and/or friends. Bereavement, grief, loss, eating disorders, stress and exam pressure may all culminate in the deterioration of our mental health.
Since qualifying as a Solicitor in 2000, I have practiced in criminal, mental health, human rights and judicial review law. In 2004 I became an accredited member of the Law Society’s Mental Health Panel, having amassed a wealth of experience specialising in forensic mental health law and practice.
My work extensively involves representing clients who find themselves as patients in low, medium and high security hospitals. I also advise and assist clients in the community. I provide my clients with advice, assistance and representation at their Hospital Managers’ Hearings, Mental Health Tribunals and Care Programme Approach Meetings.
As Head of the Mental Health Department at Needham Poulier Solicitors, High Road, Tottenham N17 6EW and a member of The Mental Health Lawyers Association, my aim is to provide clients with clear and calm advice, whilst robustly advancing their cases on their behalf.
People often feel embarrassed and afraid to admit that they are struggling with their mental health. Mental Health remains a taboo subject. This has to change. The fear of prejudice and judgement stops people from getting help which can lead to long term destruction and even fatalities, which could and should be avoided.
The Times newspaper has recently promoted the important issue of mental health wellbeing becoming a compulsory part of the school curriculum. Currently, Children’s and Adolescent Mental Health Services receive just six per cent of the NHS Mental Health Budget and 0.6 per cent of the NHS budget overall. This is despite three children in every classroom suffering from a diagnosable mental health problem.
The use of social media, the impact of pro-anorexia, self-harm and other inappropriate websites being amongst some of the most prominent areas of concern. Professor Tanya Byron, government advisor and one of the UK’s leading clinical psychologists, calls on political parties to prove they are serious about dealing with this crisis in their election manifestos. Clearly, prevention is better than cure. If the necessary resources were put in place with early intervention, it is highly likely that certain future problems could be avoided.
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