Campaigners say they feel "cautiously optimistic" after meeting Suffolk and Norfolk MPs in Westminster to talk about mental health services in the two counties. 

The meeting took place on Monday and was organised by Ipswich MP Jack Abbott and included all new and some former members of parliament in the two counties. 

At the meeting the MPs spoke to the campaign group Norfolk and Suffolk Mental Health Crisis, to discuss their concerns around the Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust (NSFT). 

Following this, the campaign group also met with the health care watchdog, CQC, on Tuesday,  ahead of the watchdog's next inspection next year.

Mark Harrison is the chair of the campaign group.Mark Harrison is the chair of the campaign group.  (Image: Tristan Conor Hold) Chair of the campaign group, Mark Harrison said: "It was good to meet the new MPs and tell them exactly how serious the situation is for mental health services in Suffolk and Norfolk. 

"A representative from the Department of Health and Social Care promised us that things will change, but we did not get any specific commitments on when this will happen."

He added campaigners current priority is for CQC to conduct a robust inspection into the trust and for the integrated care boards to U-turn on £17million in cuts for NSFT. 

"The representatives were very shocked by the stories and the experiences of the bereaved and also the service users that cannot access the services," Mr Harrison added. 

Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Patient Safety, Women's Health and Mental Health, Baroness Merron, has also agreed to privately meet with the campaign group. 

Jack Abbott MP had organised the meeting. Jack Abbott MP had organised the meeting. (Image: Roger Harris/House of Commons) Mr Abbott who organised the meeting said: “I hosted this meeting as I felt it was crucial that the new MPs in our region meet with bereaved families and campaigners to hear about the devastating impact of our mental health crisis.

"I thank those families and campaigners for joining us today and for sharing their moving testimonies.

“I will continue to work cross-party and cross-county - as well as with the Government - to support the short-term improvements and long-term reforms that are necessary."

He added that while change may take time, he knows that the government is steadfastly dedicated to holding NSFT to account and improving services.