East Yorkshire Councils Fall Below Average For Spending on Mental Health.
Research published by mental health charity Mind highlights the amount spent by Yorkshire councils.
The research published today by Mind charity highlight the amount that East Yorkshire councils spend from their public health budget on mental health care.
The research found that East Yorkshire spend less than the national average, with 1% and sometimes less being put towards mental health care within their region.
Mind explains how local councils have the duty to spend money on mental and physical health care. The research found that significantly more was spent on physical health but Mind’s findings show that most areas of the country spend close to nothing on preventing mental health problems.
While local councils spend millions of pounds on physical health programmes, Mind’s findings show that most areas of the country spend close to nothing on preventing mental health problems.
The report states that at the moment money spent on public mental health is classed as miscellaneous costs, which is mixed with 14 other areas.
It's estimated that mental health costs health and social care services ÂŁ21 billion a year.
Viking FM spoke to Helen Robinson, a representative of Mind charity in Yorkshire; she believes it sends a negative message to the public...
'It sends a message that mental health is not seen as important and is not a priority for investment.'
'Organisations are increasingly struggling to offer the same range and quality of services. This means a greater pressure is put on GP's and emergency services, as this is often the only way that people can get treatment.'
'For the people who are experiencing mental ill-health it means they are facing unacceptable waiting times. Conditions that could be managed by themselves and families with some support actually escalate.'
'People become far more ill and require far more support than would otherwise been needed.'