Solihull MP backs 'Rethink Week' raising concern for mental illness sufferers

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Sun 2nd Oct 2005

Lorely Burt will add her voice to cross-party efforts by MPs to raise awareness of the issues faced by people with mental illness problems on her return to parliament next week.

Rethink Week will be promoted by MPs and Peers, and will focus attention on the stigma and discrimination experienced by sufferers of mental illness, with a series of events to challenge the stereotypes and prejudices that often make it so much more difficult for sufferers to recover.

"Just about every other type of illness is treated with the greatest sympathy by most people, but it is so easy to shun people with mental health problems without even realising we are doing it," said the Lib Dem MP.

Rethink Week will be marked by an event in the House of Lords on 13th September, hosted by Lib Dem Peer and former Party President, Lord Dholakia.