Dear sir,
Millions of patients in England face dangerously long waits for mental health care. As an intensive care nurse, I’ve witnessed first-hand how funding cuts to mental health services and supports have hindered the treatment of depression, anxiety, psychosis and eating disorders. I felt I should write this letter to raise awareness of the harrowing situation our mental health services are under and to highlight what voluntary services have fortunately been put in place by very kind individuals in Congleton.
The Covid crisis had sparked a dramatic rise in the number of people experiencing mental health problems, with 1.6 million waiting for specialised treatment and another 8 million who cannot get on the waiting list but would benefit from support, the heads of the NHS Confederation and the Royal College of Psychiatrists have reported.
Millions of children, young people and adults are seeking help from mental health services that are overstretched and under-resourced. The situation is critical reports the Royal College of Psychiatrists. The impact of the pandemic on young people’s mental health cannot be overstated.
The number of beds in NHS mental health hospitals has fallen by a quarter since 2010, forcing more patients who are seriously ill to be taken far away from home in order to receive treatment.
NHS in England now has almost 6,000 fewer beds since 2010 for people with conditions such as schizophrenia or eating or personality disorders. There were 23,447 consultant-led mental health beds in 2010-11 and 17,610 in 2020-21, a reduction of 5,837 (25%).
The cuts to mental health beds have exacerbated waiting times for treatment for some of the most serious mental illnesses. Therefore, people requiring urgent treatment for eating disorders, schizophrenia and personality disorders are likely to face even longer waits. Waits that many cannot afford to have.
Conservative governments have said that they prioritise mental health, but this evidence shows things are getting worse.
The Samaritans report the following;
• 5219 suicides were registered in England in 2021. This is 307 more than in 2020.
• The male suicide rate was 15.8 per 100,000,compared to a female suicide rate of 5.5 per 100,000.
• Males aged 50-54 were found to have the highest suicide rate (22.5 per 100,000).
• There is regional variation in the suicide rates. The North East of England had the highest suicide rate (14.1. per 100,000), with the North West of England seeing a significant increase in suicide rate in 2021 (12.9 per 100,000), compared to 2020 (10.1 per 100,000).
The Royal College of Psychiatrists said its research found 43% of adults with mental illness say the long waits for treatment have led to their mental health getting worse. Almost a quarter (23%) have had to wait more than 12 weeks to start treatment, with many having to turn to A&E or dial 999. This is the grim reality that the cuts to mental health services have caused.
With these very confronting statistics I have looked up what voluntary services are available in and around Congleton. All individuals should not suffer in silence and as the national campaign states; ‘it’s ok, not to be ok’
Please do look up some of the following, you never know who you might meet and what friendships you can strike up.
Congleton Town Council have set up ‘ Food and Friendship’ at Congleton Town Hall, on Mondays 11-3pm and Thursdays 3:30- 6:30pm, which is set up for local families and residents who are feeling isolated or in need of a little help or support. Contact the Town hall to book a place.
Congleton United Reformed Church runs ‘Board Games for Mental Health, every fourth Saturday of each month 2-4pm, All Welcome
The ‘Gardening for Mental Health’ group has been set up by Sharon and Stuart Nield of Congleton Radio. This group unites anyone with either no experience or lots of experience in gardening. Gardening and being out in nature is very therapeutic and it’s a great chance to meet new people. Evidence shows that a thriving, wildlife-rich environment benefits both physical and mental health. People with nature on their doorstep are more active, mentally resilient and have better all-round health. This is why it is important to me that we defend our green spaces.
Sharon and Stuart do an enormous amount of work to promote support for mental health, setting up groups ‘ Mental health and wellbeing news and views’ as well as ‘Mental wellbeing with music’.
Stuart Nield’s Congleton Radio runs a regular monthly focus show, by Gaz Lewis, to shine a light on mental health and wellbeing . Gaz Lewis also runs the Facebook group called ‘Nailed it, stronger together ‘
HerSpace has been set up by local Mum of three, Charlotte Bell. She has worked incredibly hard to create HerSpace. HerSpace gives ladies the space to socialise and focus on your own psychological wellbeing. Charlotte recognised that being socially isolated worsens mental health and wants to help others improve their wellbeing.
The climate crisis is also taking a growing toll on the mental health of children and young people the British Medical Journal have warned. In their article, they pointed to a 2020 survey of child psychiatrists in England showing that more than half (57%) are seeing children and young people distressed about the climate crisis and the state of the environment. Congleton is very lucky to have the Climate Action Group - they welcome anyone that may have anxiety around the climate crisis. Get support from like-minded people who share concerns and take active steps towards fighting the climate crisis. The group meets on a monthly basis and everyone is welcome.
The brain, as with any organ in the body, needs a good environment in which to thrive, so no one should ever feel shame around mental health issues. Removing the taboo around talking about mental health is also crucial. It is no longer acceptable to be told to ‘just get over it’ or ‘ man up’ we must face the fact that everyone is different and tackle issues in different ways.
The Green Party policy is to bring mental health care in line with physical health care and ensure people experiencing mental health crises are supported close to their home and support networks. Introduce mental health awareness training within the public sector and encourage a more open dialogue on the issue in wider society.
If you are ever facing a mental health crisis always contact the Samaritans anytime on: 116 123. There is also the Cheshire and Wirral partnership, NHS foundation on: 0800 145 6485 or if you prefer email there is ‘talk to Frank’ which provides online chats to specialists.
Many thanks
Lisa Miller
Congleton Green Party
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