The idea will be voted on this week by councillors
Hull Paragon Interchange(Image: Donna Clifford/HullLive)
Councillors on Hull City Council are calling for a new Mental Health Support Hub to be established at Hull’s Paragon Station. A councillor will present the idea at a meeting of the full council this week.
Cllr Tracey Henry, who represents the Liberal Democrats in the Pickering ward, will bring forward a motion on Thursday, 15 January, calling for a new support hub to be set up Paragon Station which could “offer a visible, non-stigmatising first point of contact for mental health support.” The motion points to the success of similar hubs elsewhere in the country.
The motion states: “Hull Paragon Station is a high-footfall, central and highly accessible location, used daily by residents, commuters, students, and visitors, and is already a focal point for those experiencing vulnerability, isolation, or distress.” Adding: “Early intervention in mental health is both compassionate and cost-effective, reducing the likelihood of crisis, hospitalisation, or long-term support needs.”
If passed at the meeting, a report would be presented to the council’s cabinet within the next six months to establish the feasibility of opening a Community Mental Health Support Hub at the station, which would start the process officially.
The motion uses a hub at Trafford Park station in Greater Manchester as an example of how one in Hull could work. The motion states the hub, which is in the former station house, “has been shown to deliver significant value for money, with an independent study estimating a return on investment of between £5.22 and £17.71 in potential savings for every £1 invested.”
Cllr Tracey Henry, Liberal Democrat(Image: Liberal Democrats)
Commenting on her motion, Cllr Tracey Henry said: “Our mental health is just as important as our physical health and needs to be taken seriously. We all know someone, if not ourselves, who has struggled with mental health at some point, that’s why it’s so important we take some action to provide support where we can.
“Hull is a strong, caring community, and as a council, we want to do all we can to support those struggling with their mental health. I’m calling on all Councillors to back this motion on Thursday so we can start the process officially and begin work with partners from across the city.”
Cllr Henry’s Lib Dem colleague, Cllr Mike Ross, who is the leader of Hull City Council, has added: “Supporting local residents with their mental health and well-being is so important. For years, we’ve seen governments fail to take the crisis in mental health services seriously. This motion, if passed by Councillors, will kick-start work that will hopefully see new support for those who need it.”
Councillor Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council(Image: Neil Holmes)
Councillors will vote on the motion at January’s full council meeting on Thursday 15th. They are also set to vote on motions relating to Northern Powerhouse Rail, grassroots sports, and the upholding of an international law based order, among others.
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