Rival council candidates who took part in pre-election hustings have agreed to “work together” on improving mental health in Harrow.

Independent hopeful Niamh McEnery was joined by representatives from Labour, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party at the event, which was organised by charity Mind in Harrow.

And while party politics inevitably crept into the discussion, which was held at The Bridge Day Centre in Wealdstone, the overriding message was one of cooperation.

Conservative candidate Cllr Norman Stevenson, said: “It is about working together.

“We need to be a bit more grown up and think about how to work it out by managing our local resources.

“We need to stop talking about it and take a much more pragmatic approach so that people can get the support they need.”

He questioned the approach undertaken by Labour, which has controlled Harrow Council for the past four years.

Hinting at financial mismanagement – as well as criticising the overall running of mental health services by the administration – he urged people to vote for change in the borough.

Cllr Sachin Shah, leader of Harrow Council, dismissed these suggestions and reiterated his view that providing excellent services is at the heart of Labour’s plans.

He emphasised that, despite cuts from central government, his administration – and any future ones – would work to protect mental health services.

He said: “It comes down to priorities and choices. We have clear commitments to mental health in our manifesto – the Conservatives do not.

“Voters will have to ask whether they want a party of public services or a party of cuts.”

Those looking to break the Labour-Conservative duopoly agreed that cooperation is key but said it was important to have a diverse council to hold leaders to account.

Green Party representative Mark Baker said: “Up and down the country, with Green councillors, you get change”.

“In many cases, the assessment process is working against the people it is meant to be supporting – this needs to stop,” he said.

“The individual has to be at the heart of what we are doing, and we must ensure that the quality of service is appropriate. We’ve made a start, but there’s a hell of a long way to go.”

And Paolo Arrigo, representing the Liberal Democrats, said it was high time that people started to realise that mental health should be treated in the same manner as physical health.

Citing his own experiences with his daughter, who has ADHD, he said it was vital that people were aware of the resources and training available.

Consistently referencing his party’s 12-point plan for mental health, he urged voters to support those who “want to work with residents”.

Mrs McEnery who, as an Independent is free from political ties, agreed that education is at the heart of improving attitudes towards mental health.

She said it was important that everyone got involved on this “key issue” and stressed that the earlier the ball gets rolling, the better.

“Mental health awareness has increased, and that’s brilliant to see,” she said. “But there is more that can be done.

“Whoever gets in needs to be open and transparent with residents. We are talking about people’s lives here and we need to make it a priority.”