Councillor gets “significant response” after opening up on mental health

A councillor who opened up about his past mental health struggles has spoken of the “significant response” he has received from residents.

Councillor Jamie Pritchard opened up about his struggles in an article published by Caerphilly Observer last month.

Since the article was published, Cllr Pritchard said residents had contacted him to discuss their own personal stories.

He said: “Many residents have been in touch to recount personal stories that they have kept close to themselves for some time.

“Every resident that got in touch with me thought it was important for somebody in my position to speak out.

“In the few days following the story I have noticed some friends talk more openly about the long-term difficulties they have faced.

“I hope in some small way I’ve been able to encourage more people to talk.

“We need to remove the stigma surrounding mental health and support each other through difficult times.”

Cllr Pritchard, who represents the Morgan Jones ward for Labour, added: “The entire purpose of me speaking out about my own experiences on such an important issue as mental health was to encourage others to do so.”

He said the issue of mental health should be something that “unites” political parties.

Independent councillor Andrew Farina-Childs, who represents the Blackwood ward, said Cllr Pritchard was “very courageous and inspirational to go public”.

Cllr Farina-Childs said: “I’m really pleased he’s encouraging other people to come forward if they have similar issues.

“As a councillor myself, if anybody wants to contact me in Blackwood I will be more than happy to assist them or to put them in touch with others who can.”

For more information about mental health services available in Wales, visit wales.nhs.uk/healthtopics/conditions/mentalhealth

Samaritans can be contacted for free on 116 123. For more information about Samaritans, visit samaritans.org