Ten million cries for help ...UK’s mental health crisis

THE deepening mental health crisis engulfing Britain is today laid bare, as new figures reveal 10.6 million people now describe their mental wellbeing as “poor”.

The alarming figure equates to roughly one fifth of the uk population with 16 to 24-year-olds disproportionately affected.

One quarter say the pandemic has left them isolated and twothirds say it has had an impact on their mental health.

The partnership of organisations behind the latest data says it shows the community has a huge role to play in supporting people experiencing problems.

And it is calling for a massive cash injection from the Government to improve access to treatments and community projects.

Paul Farmer, chief executive of Mind, said: “The Covid pandemic has had a huge impact on all of us, especially those of us living with a mental health problem.

“This research highlights the role of community in supporting people and their mental health. From being able to spend time in parks and green spaces, to being in touch with a community mutual aid group, or simply checking in on neighbours, we know connections between people and places matter.

“The value of our communities in supporting the mental health of the whole country needs to be recognised.”

Yesterday the Daily Express launched its By Your Side Christmas campaign to raise funds – and awareness – for better mental health. Mind says not enough cash has been committed to treat the rising numbers of people having problems post-pandemic. It estimates £1.46bn is needed just to help children and young people in the next three years. Up to 2.5 million 12 to 24-year-olds have a mental health need. And, according to the new data, four in five feel support in the community would help.

The research was carried out by the Co-op in partnership with Mind, the Scottish Association for Mental Health [SAMH] and Northern Ireland charity Inspire.

The Co-op’s Rebecca Birkbeck said: “Findings confirm that communities have a key role to play in providing good mental wellbeing. More people having an active role in their community means more support networks available.”

The Co-op is raising £8million so the partnership can bring communities together in more than 50 areas, helping at least 10,000 people. SAMH chief Billy Watson said: “We’ll use the research to help shape the support we provide.”