Redbridge Concern for Mental Health has called on Redbridge Council to take part in The Mental Health Challenge.

The scheme promotes mental health issues in local government by appointing a councillor as mental health champion.

A council spokesman responded by saying: “We are considering the position at this stage in relation to the challenge but remain fully committed to ensuring Mental Health is high on our priorities.”

Jon Abrams, of Redbridge Concern, said he hoped the council did commit to the programme.

He explained: “We think the mental health challenge is a brilliant idea because Redbridge Council has a big role to play.

“It sends an important message to the community that mental health is being taken seriously.

“It is very important to make it clear that it is everybody’s business and the appointing of a champion really sends that message.”

So far 37 councils across the country have signed up and appointed champions.