Rt Hon Ed Balls MP will open NHS service for local young people

Local MP and Secretary of State for children, schools and families, Ed Balls, is officially opening a new mental health service in the Wakefield district. The service has been set up to help 14 to 35 year olds cope with the early symptoms of psychosis. The service is run by South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust and has been developed in partnership with Wakefield Primary Care Trust. The event will take place in Castleford on 16th May at midday.

The service, called ‘Insight’, has been operating from a purpose designed facility in Castleford for the past year. It works with people who are experiencing, or are at risk of experiencing, a first episode of psychosis and aims to support individuals and their carers on the road to recovery. It also seeks to reduce the stigma of mental illness, and to offer health promotion and education. The young people who are supported by the service often have a complex range of problems, for example substance abuse and offending behaviour.

The service also offers carer support and education groups as well as helping individuals and families cope with stress. The service employs a range of staff including a number of individuals who have experienced mental health problems, or who have cared for someone with a mental health problem, as the Trust recognises individuals as experts through experience.

Ed Balls will officially open the service at 12.45 after taking the opportunity to meet service users and staff and look around the facility.

Joyce Catterick, Chair of South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust said, "We are delighted to have Ed Balls attend the official opening of our service. Insight helps young people with mental health problems and I’m sure he will find it valuable to talk to young people about their experiences."