§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures he is taking to protect mentally ill patients from harassment within their community. [31060]
§ Mr. BoatengWe recognise the vital importance of tackling discrimination against mentally ill patients. The Department's impact strategy aims to increase knowledge and understanding about mental health among the general public, thereby promoting a positive image of mental health and combating stigma. We are adopting a variety of approaches to take forward the strategy including collaboration with the voluntary sector; the targeting of resources on key "at risk groups" such as young men; influencing the media; and expanding the Health Education Authority's World Mental Health Day campaign. This year, we are spending more than £1.4 million nationally on public health information and mental health promotion. Mental health services have a responsibility to proceed with sensitivity and adopt an informative, open approach in handling their plans for community developments in order to convince people that they have nothing to fear.