REPRESENTATIVES from three political parties debated how they would improve the lives of people with mental ill health.

REPRESENTATIVES from three political parties debated how they would improve the lives of people with mental ill health.

Devon Community Opportunities at their Exmouth base played host to a question and answer session with Lib Dem Paul Robathon, Jill Elson Conservative district councillor and UKIP's John Kelly and county councillor Eileen Wragg.

Despite their opposing political views the format was a relaxed chat over a cup of coffee with rethink service users having the opportunity to ask their thoughts and plans to help improve the lives of people with mental ill health.

The discussion lasted for two hours and provoked some lively debate and Ian Bowden, Rethink area manager for Devon and Cornwall said "It was a fascinating discussion, and gave service users an opportunity to confront the politicians on the issues that matter to them.

"It also gave us the opportunity to raise awareness of the work rethink does in the local community. I hope we can maintain the enthusiasm and invite the candidates back in six months to reflect on the outcome of the election."

Rethink, the leading national mental health membership charity, works to help everyone affected by severe mental illness recover a better quality of life.