IMPROVING the nation’s mental health was the focus of a wide-ranging speech given by Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border, during a parliamentary debate on mental health treatment and support.

The VMP spoke on an array of associated issues including Rural Mental Health, the need to better support young people and the Carleton Clinic in Carlisle which has recently received £3 million as part of a national funding boost.  

Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border, said:  “It was a privilege to tie together my varied mental health work and share my experiences during such a crucial debate for the future of the UK’s public health.

"Put simply, the increase in mental health issues across the population is one of the greatest challenges we face.  

“From putting forward positive and proactive recommendations with our recent EFRA Committee Rural Mental Health report that I instigated to campaigning alongside the 3 Dads Walking to get safe age-appropriate suicide awareness on school curricula, I feel change is most definitely coming.