A councillor has been appointed Ealing's first ever "Mental Health Champion" in a national bid to offer more support to sufferers.

Councillor Abdullah Gulaid, elected member for Acton Central, has become the champion, in line with a mass effort by from mental health charities across England.

Councillor Gulaid will lead the council's ten point plan, including tackling discrimination, reducing inequalities and working with the NHS and Clinical Commissioning Group to offer health and social care in Ealing.

He said: "It’s quite likely that one of our friends, colleagues or family members will experience a mental health problem at some time.

"I’m confident that we can change attitudes and look for new ways to actively support people with mental health problems in our communities.”

Councillor Gulaid has also chaired the council’s health & adult services panel for three years.

Cabinet member for health and adults services, councillor Hitesh Tailor, said: “I’m delighted that Councillor Gulaid has taken on the role of mental health champion for Ealing.

"One in four of us will suffer a mental health condition in any given year, so it’s vital we promote good mental health and tackle discrimination and stigma that sadly still surrounds it."

According to the council, Ealing is one of only 50 local authorities to sign up to the mental health challenge.

Do you think it's important to have a mental health champion in the community? Let us know in the comments below.