Saddleworth North Liberal Democrat Councillor Garth Harkness is looking for Saddleworth residents who want to attend an accredited course to become a local mental health champion. Cllr Harkness has funded four places for local people on a course with the mental health charity MIND as part of his wider initiative to improve services for residents in Oldham with mental health conditions.

Cllr Harkness said:

“This week (16-22 May) is Mental Health Awareness Week and therefore the perfect opportunity to launch this initiative. The MIND Mental Health course will equip some of our local residents to support others with mental health conditions.”

The accredited Mental Health Course will be held over ten weeks. Students will receive training in:

• how to identify common mental health issues
• how to support someone in distress
• legislation around mental health
• managing their own wellbeing and local services available (including those from Tameside, Oldham and Glossop Mind referrals).

Commenting Cllr Harkness said:

“I have invested £800 from my ward budget to sponsor these four places so it is important that they are offered to Saddleworth individuals committed to sharing the knowledge and skills they gain within the community.”

“The course is suited to those with an interest in mental health and a passion for supporting others in their local community. The individuals could be youth or scout leaders, mental health leads within local charitable and community organisations, or community activists. Going forward they would be better equipped to ensure that individuals with mental health conditions have the understanding and support that they need and can be signposted to other services as and when required.”

Local residents with an interest in applying for a sponsored place on the course should in the first instance contact Councillor Garth Harkness (email: garth.harkness@gmail.com)