LOCAL MP David Chidgey is backing an Eastleigh Mind campaign which he hopes will help to wipe out the stigma surrounding mental illness.

Mr Chidgey has met a delegation from Eastleigh Mind to discuss the forthcoming Mental Health Bill and has pledged his support for their campaigning in the local community.

The Eastleigh MP said: "Mental health problems affect one in four people, yet one in three people are refused treatment or misdiagnosed.

"One of the most appalling statistics given to me was that of the 80 per cent of people who need to take significant time away from the workplace for treatment ,only six per cent are able to return to their jobs."

Mr Chidgey said there was a clear case for more effective and widespread preventive care and for raising awareness and support for GPs dealing with patients suffering from mental health problems.

He said: "We must overcome the stigma attached to mental illness that often so often prevents sufferers from getting the right help quickly.

"I will continue to do all I can to ensure that the new Mental Health Bill will serve the next generation as effectively as possible.

"A key element still missing from the Bill is the right of a mentally ill person to treatment. With mental health sufferers it is often difficult to spot symptoms of the onset of illness.

"A fractured limb is easy to diagnose and treatment follows automatically. A right to the same level of care and treatment should be afforded to those suffering mental health problems.

"I am pleased to support the excellent work that Eastleigh Mind do and to join their campaign for greater awareness of mental health issues in the community."