'Monumental' day for mental health

THE approval of a new mental health and wellbeing strategy is a 'monumental' moment for everyone who has experienced a mental health condition, one campaigner has said.

Emily Litten, pictured, operations and development manager for the charity Mind, welcomed States members' backing of the strategy and the approval of a new £24m. mental health and wellbeing facility to replace the Castel Hospital.

'Together with the adoption of the new Mental Health Law on 8 April, we will have seen more progress in a few short months than in the last 70 years,' she said.

'Our deputies have sent a clear message that mental health and wellbeing is a top priority for this States.

'This in itself is a crucial element of fighting the stigma and discrimination that still surrounds mental health.'