Risein use of mental health services

More people were using NHS mental health services across West Sussex in July than at the same point last summer, figures show.

Mental health charity Mind has called on the Government to prioritise mental health, after figures showed a significant rise in the number of people receiving help across England in the last year.

NHS Digital figures show around 19,795 people were in contact with mental health services in the NHS West Sussex Clinical Commissioning Group area at the end of July.

This was an increase of eight per cent from 18,410 at the same point last year, though it was fewer than the 20,355 at the end of June.

Across England, 1.44million people were in contact with mental health services at the end of July.

Though down slightly from 1.46million a month previously, this was a rise of nine per cent compared to the same month a year before.

It was also the highest figure for the month of July since comparable records began in 2016.

Leila Reyburn, policy and campaigns manager at Mind, said: “These figures demonstrate just how many of us are struggling with our mental health as we emerge from the pandemic.

“Thegovernmentmustmake sure significant investment is given to mental health services from the £5.5 billion it has committed to the NHS.

“Even before the pandemic, mental health services were playing catch up after decades ofunderfunding;nowisthetime for decision makers to put their money where their mouths are and prioritise the mental health of the nation.”

The majority (75 per cent) of those in contact with mental health services in West Sussex at the end of July were adults – 14,925.

There were also 3,280 children using mental health services for young people, and 2,185 people in contact with learning disabilities and autism services in the area.

Rethink Mental Illness said there is no one single factor driving the national increase in people using mental health services – but the pandemic has ‘undoubtedly had a significant influence’.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said its £500million Mental Health Recovery Action Plan would ensure those in need receive the right support.

A DHSC spokesman added: “Covid-19 has affected everyone in the UK and community and crisis services have continued to provide support throughout the pandemic, with digital and faceto-face appointments.”