Review of mental health provision across city

MENTAL HEALTH has been put into focus by council bosses in Leeds as the scale of people affected in the city is revealed.

Leeds City Council’s public health team has now published a new report as part of a review into the city’s mental health needs.

The assessment report reveals that more than 100,000 people in Leeds are estimated to experience mental health problems every year.

Council chiefs are now making recommendations to improve access to healthcare for residents across the city, after the reported suggested more than £1m could be saved every year if mental health services are delivered better.

Coun Rebecca Charlwood, chairwoman of Leeds City Council’s Health and Wellbeing Board, said: “Mental Health is central to all health, and it doesn’t just affect individuals, but also their families, friends, colleagues and communities.

“Leeds has made a commitment to giving mental health equal importance with physical health and we have many excellent examples of good practice.

“But as with other areas, we face significant pressures on services and this analysis will help us focus on the priorities in the future.”

She said the annual cost of mental health in Leeds, estimated at more than £500m, has “a major impact” on the city’s economy.

Sarah Erskine, the author of the new report, said the review highlighted “gaps in data”, where services need to be more needbased.

She said: “This needs assessment clearly shows us inequalities and unmet mental health needs in our city.

It also indicates gaps in data and where we need to do more to ensure we develop services truly based on need.

“The report is part of ongoing analysis and in the future we plan to do analysis which will highlight mental health needs of marginalised or disadvantaged groups.”