CENTRAL Devon MP and Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Mel Stride has heard how the Devon Mental Health Alliance (DMHA) is helping to improve mental health provision in our county.

The alliance of six voluntary and community sector partners was established in 2021 and includes the independent mental health charity Devon Mind.

Olivia Craig, Chief Executive Officer of Devon Mind, recently spoke with Mr Stride and briefed him on the development of the alliance and how it supports its statutory partners in Devon.

Olivia explained: “The DMHA is working closely with our NHS colleagues across Devon on the national Community Mental Health Transformation programme – the biggest re-design of community mental health services in a generation – the DMHA is.

"We are focused on building capacity for people to be supported in their own communities and ensuring no-one falls through gaps when they need mental health support.”

Mr Stride, who helped to deliver an additional £2.3 billion for NHS mental health services when serving as a treasury minister, added: “It was very useful to speak to Olivia and get a better understanding of how the voluntary and community sector in Devon has improved its co-ordination and is now more effectively working alongside the NHS and other service providers.

"We are more aware than ever of the importance of looking after people’s mental health and think the work that Devon Mind does is absolutely brilliant.”

For more information about Devon Mind visit: www.devonmind.com.