Oral Answers to Questions

Jack Lopresti Excerpts

Tuesday 29th October 2019 Commons Chamber

[James Cartlidge (South Suffolk) (Con)]

8. What steps he is taking to ensure the adequate long-term provision of mental health services.

[Jack Lopresti (Filton and Bradley Stoke) (Con)]

20. What steps he is taking to ensure the adequate long-term provision of mental health services.

--- Later in debate ---

[Ms Dorries]

My hon. Friend works tirelessly on his constituents’ behalf. In fact, I think I am meeting some of his constituents tomorrow. I will look into the issues he raises, but the trust has been working since May 2018 on delivering the immediate improvements suggested by the Care Quality Commission, and leadership support has been provided by East London NHS Foundation Trust. I promise to look into the situation to see where the trust is at this point and what improvements have been made, and I may have that information to feed back to him tomorrow.

[Jack Lopresti]

I welcome the Minister’s recent announcement of greater support for people affected by the suicide of a loved one, but what form will that additional support actually take?

[Ms Dorries]

It goes without saying that anyone affected by a friend or family member taking their own life will be absolutely devastated. We made an announcement at the weekend of nearly £1 million of funding to target 10 areas to help to provide assistance and support to the bereaved. We will assess those 10 sites to see what is delivered and how it works, and we will hopefully be able to roll the scheme out across the UK in the future.