More people seek mental health support in North Yorkshire
Charity Mind is calling for the Government to prioritise mental health
More people were using mental health services across North Yorkshire in July than at the same point last summer, figures show.
NHS Digital figures show round 8,435 people were in contact with mental health services in the NHS North Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group area at the end of July.
This was an increase of 10% from 7,635 at the same point last year, though it was fewer than the 8,535 at the end of June.
Across England, 1.44 million people were in contact with mental health services at the end of July.
Though down slightly from 1.46 million a month previously, this was a rise of 9% 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.
"The Government must make sure significant investment is given to mental health services from the £5.5 billion it has committed to the NHS.
Norman Lamb had his say on the NHS's commitments to mental health:
And the majority (71%) of those in contact with mental health services in North Yorkshire at the end of July were adults – 5,975.
There were also 1,980 children using mental health services for young people, and 550 people in contact with learning disabilities and autism services in the area.
Even more, Mark Winstanley, chief executive of Rethink Mental Illness, states that: "The last 18 months have clearly caused substantial emotional distress for people and this has been more acute for people living with severe mental illness.
"It has increased the risk factors which contribute to poor mental health such as debt, social isolation and unemployment."
The Department of Health and Social Care said its £500 million Mental Health Recovery Action Plan will ensure those in need receive the right support.