“The writing has been on the wall for the Trust almost since the day it was set up”.

What I want to focus on at this moment is the importance of listening to users of services – particularly at a time of change. Over the years Macc has had strong involvement in mental health work with the public and voluntary sector (all led by my former colleague John Butler who left us only a few weeks ago following funding reductions).

More pupils have mental health issues, say school staff

More pupils have mental health issues, say school staff
More children have mental health issues than two years ago, a survey of school teachers suggests.

More than half of 850 staff surveyed by the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) agreed more pupils had developed problems.

On Monday, the ATL’s annual conference will debate a call for more support for vulnerable pupils in schools.

General secretary Dr Mary Bousted blamed “poverty, poor housing, unemployment and financial insecurity”.

School staff have had to “plug the gaps in social care as best they can”, said Dr Bousted.