Sarah Mahmood calls for greater mental health awareness

Mayor of Rochdale Councillor Ray Dutton with Rochdale's newly elected Youth Parliament member, Sarah Mahmood

Sarah Mahmood, Rochdale’s new member of the UK Youth Parliament, is calling for greater awareness surrounding mental health.

She said: “I believe everyone with a mental health problem should be able to access excellent care and services. Every person affected should be treated fairly, positively and with respect. If we are going to develop a mentally healthy society, giving people the tools to thrive mentally is also fundamental. Resilience is a universal skill we all need to help each other learn to successfully navigate life.

“A seminal issue for the young people of Rochdale is a tangible lack of mental health awareness and support. Now is the perfect time to campaign around this issue, as William, Kate and Harry are raising awareness nationally to make asking for help less taboo.

“Mental Health Awareness is not treated with the same reverence as a physical health issue, despite it having the same debilitating effects. The shocking statistics alone won't make a difference - it’s estimated than one in six in the past week experienced a common mental health problem- we need to start making an active change."

Sarah is also planning to raise awareness of mental health by visiting schools across the Rochdale Borough during Mental Health Awareness Week in May (8-14).

Her manifesto also includes cheaper transport and reform of GCSE resits.

Elected in February, the year 11 student at Hollingworth Academy saw off competition from five other candidates, securing 36% of the votes cast by 11,000 young people in school and colleges across the borough.

Sarah will be in office for a one-year term.