Agreement signed to help authorities better serve residents with mental health needs

An agreement has been signed that will help authorities better serve Trafford residents with mental health needs.

The Section 75 Partnership Agreement between Trafford Council and Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH) will enable health and social care teams to deliver mental health services from a single management structure. The structure will be led by GMMH.

The agreement is an update on the current agreement and reflects changes in the needs of people in the borough and the way GMMH and the Council work together, as well as changes in legislation such as the Care Act.

Cllr Jo Harding, Executive Member for Adult Services, said:

“The importance of good mental health is finally being recognised and this agreement makes sure the systems are in place to make sure people can get the right treatment at the right time.

For the Council, a major priority is enabling people to live as independently as possible. This agreement is a key part of delivering on that priority.”

Claire Fraser, Head of Operations for Trafford Mental Health Services at Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“We have welcomed this opportunity to review and renew our partnership with Trafford residents. In Trafford there has been and continues to be an unwavering commitment to improve our collective approach to neighbourhood and partnership working, building on some of the excellent work that already exists.


It has been a constant discussion point for years and some amazing progress has been made in terms of integrated and multi-disciplinary neighbourhood teams and this commitment to Trafford residents ensures mental health care and wellbeing is connected to the wider health and social care system. It is essential that people received coordinated support for their physical and mental health as well as their wider social needs.”

The agreement will also be a key part of the transformation programme in mental health in Trafford.

The new strategy is about helping people to look after themselves, early intervention to prevent poor mental health getting worse, and ensuring people get the right help at the right time.

It also gives more of a say to the person, so they are able to define their own mental health needs, alongside their family and mental health professionals. A cross-agency approach is also emphasised so that consistent quality care is provided.

Staffing and service delivery arrangements will remain integrated under the updated agreement, although the financial responsibilities for health and social care remain separate.

Posted on Monday 19th July 2021