Andy Burnham supports Leigh charity’s non-clinical mental health service

Our valued patron Andy Burnham visited Compassion in Action’s Patrick House headquarters on Tuesday, 6 May.

Mr Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, has had a critical role in the charity’s growth since its inception in 2006. He is credited with helping to secure our first premises, as well as supporting our Founder Pam Gilligan’s vision for whole-person care – meeting the Practical, Physical, Social and Mental Health needs of those in crisis.

During his visit, Mr Burnham spoke with Pam about our innovative approach to non-clinical mental health, which empowers those who are experiencing emotional distress to access sessional, daily or residential therapeutic support within 24 hours.

The non-clinical model, developed in collaboration with Dr Gen Wong and the Borough’s GPs, has also recently been praised by Wes Streeting, the Secretary of State for Health & Social Care, in the House of Commons.

“Andy’s amazing belief and support in our work year on year has been a huge source of encouragement to everyone engaged in this project,” said Pam. “It was my honour to be able to share with Andy that my vision has been achieved, as well as to present multi-million-pound savings, a demonstrable social return on investment and improved health outcomes – testimony to this new way of working.”