A NEW Government initiative which aims to improve mental health services for women will be debated in the region today.

Almost 100 mental health professionals, carers, and service users are meeting in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, to discuss the Department of Health's draft consultation document.

Organised by the Northern Centre for Mental Health, the event will offer them the chance to discuss the way forward for the service.

The development of a women's mental health strategy forms part of the Government's commitment to address inequalities in the delivery of services.

Eleanor Lane, programme director for the Northern Centre for Mental Health, said: "This event provides us with an opportunity to listen to the views of stakeholders on the consultation document, both women and men, to ensure that their views are accurately reflected."

In the preface to the consultation document, Minister for Mental Health Jacqui Smith said: "Social isolation and poverty are much more common in women, as is the experience of child sexual abuse, domestic violence and sexual violence.

"The complex interplay of all these factors can have a major impact on women's mental health, and have wider repercussions as a result of the multiple roles that women adopt in our diverse communities."

The morning event takes place at the Swallow St George Hotel, Ripon Road, Harrogate.

For further information, contact Sarah Pudney at the Northern Centre for Mental Health on (01904) 717264 or 07766 258106.