A NORTH-EAST MP who has spoken openly about his past mental health problems has been given an award by a national charity.

Rethink Mental Illness honoured Kevan Jones, the MP for North Durham for challenging negative attitudes towards mental illness.

It presented Mr Jones with its new Outstanding Achievement Award at an event to celebrate its 40th Anniversary in London.

Each year the charity awards people and services that have significantly improved the lives of people affected by mental illness, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Last June, MPs spoke in Parliament for the first time about their mental health problems.

The 48 year-old Labour MP told the House of Commons how he struggled with severe depression in the mid-1990s. He said at the time, he was worried his future political career will be "blighted" by this revelation, due to the stigma which surrounds mental illness.

In September Mr Jones also backed the Mental Health (Discrimination) Bill which, if passed, will put an end to laws which interfere with the rights of people with mental health problems from participating in jury service and becoming a company director.

After receiving the award, Mr Jones said: "Since I spoke out in Parliament about my depression thousands of people have contacted me to say thank you. Many people think that talking about their mental health problems is a sign of weakness, but I think it's actually a sign of strength. Talking about my depression has not only helped me, but also helped others, which is very rewarding."

Paul Jenkins, chief executive of Rethink Mental Illness, said: "By speaking out so honestly about his mental health problems, he has taken significant steps in breaking down the stigma, discrimination and silence surrounding mental illness."