By Julie Morgan

Published at 11:06, Thursday, 14 June 2012

CUMBRIA County Council will provide £1million to fund projects to support local people with mental health issues.

The grants will help people reduce the need for more formal health or social care services, helping them become more independent from statutory services, particularly health care services, and in turn improve the well-being of the individual and their families.

These services are all available either at no cost or on a subsidised basis to people in Cumbria not currently supported through formal health or social care services. This can be done by either approaching the organisation direct or via referrals through GPs, health or social care teams.

Coun James Airey, Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet member for Adult Social Care, said: “Prevention is an integral part of social care in Cumbria.

“Targeted prevention can reduce the development and worsening of mental health conditions, enabling individuals to understand and self-manage their needs and encourage rehabilitation.

“We’re delighted to be able to support these fantastic new projects and we are confident that they will have a significant and prolonged effect on the well-being of Cumbrian people.’’

Ken Bradford from Cruse said the county council funding would make a big difference: “It will enable us to provide more help to the people of Cumbria where and when it is most required.

“We have the opportunity to work co-operatively with many other organisations in ensuring that those who are bereaved receive the care and support that they need at a most difficult time in their lives.’’

The funding is part of a wider investment of £13million over the next two years to tackle health inequalities and reduce demand on health and social care.

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk