HASLEMERE MP Jeremy Hunt, the Government Health Secretary, paid a special visit to Crest Lodge in Hindhead, which cares for adults with mental health problems.

Mr Hunt met residents, many of whom have been living there for most of their adult life and senior staff from Crest Lodge and its owners CHD Living – including director of operations, John Stanley, head of nursing and compliance, Rebecca Rutah, head of hospitality and communications, Shaleeza Ladak, and registered home manager, Jan Daly.

The care home was judged ‘inadequate’ by Care Quality Commission in August, and placed in special measures.

Mr Stanley said significant progress has now been made in all areas identified in the inspection.

Mr Hunt said: “It was a pleasure to visit Crest Lodge Care Home and see first-hand the steps the home is undertaking and improvements to its services for people with mental health issues, The enthusiasm and friendly environment of Crest Lodge really struck me during my time and the residents I met all appeared to be in good spirits.”

Mr Stanley said: “Mental health remains one of society’s taboos and often people don’t like to talk about it, yet one-in-four of us will access some form of mental health service in our lifetimes.

“We hope to raise awareness and help fight the stigma associated with mental health so people can live confidently, independently, fulfilled and meaningful lives. We are very grateful to the community mental health team and local GPs for their continued support – and to Jeremy Hunt for taking time out of his busy schedule to meet with us.”

Mr Hunt enjoyed coffee and cake with resident Jeremy Heather, who shared his personal story. Fellow guest Pauline Rogers, chairman of mental health charity Mind Woking, was presented with a cheque for £500 from CHD Living.

To mark October’s World Mental Health Day 2016, residents and staff mounted fundraising activities in aid of Mind’s Woking branch.

Families, friends and health professionals dropped in to enjoy an afternoon of entertainment and a tour of the facilities.

Crest Lodge caters for up to 52 men and women with mental health problems, of which eight reside in ‘independent living’ suites.