MORE than 150 people involved in the mental health sector discussed how to cope with funding cuts at a conference.

The Making It Happen conference, organised by Mental Health North East, held its annual conference at The Glebe Centre, in Murton, County Durham last week.

Among the guest speakers were Grahame Morris, MP for Easington; Miriam Davidson, Director of Public Health for Darlington and Professor Fred Robinson, of Durham University Business School.

Delegates discussed how to cope with increased demand on mental health services at a time of greatly reduced funding.

Chief executive Lyn Boyd said: "Attendance at the conference was greater than ever.

"This reflects the greater demands placed on mental health practitioners at this time.

"I was heartened by the positive approaches and ideas coming from the conference, and look forward to working with our members to ensure we continue to pressure the government and make our voices heard."