Coventry, Warwickshire and Worcestershire Mind CEO: "Mental health conversations can save lives"

A mental health charity in Coventry, Warwickshire and Worcestershire has said it remains committed to helping those who need their support, despite 'growing demand'.

Coventry, Warwickshire and Worcestershire Mind (CWWM) say they helped 44,250 individuals last year through their services, including 6,645 children and young people.

Data released on today's Time to Talk day (6 February) through a survey carried out by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, revealed a third of people prefer to keep silent about mental health rather than risk awkward conversations.

Other figures suggested young people are the most likely to avoid conversations about their mental health, with nearly half (49%) of 16-24-year-olds admitting to pushing people away.

CEO of Coventry, Warwickshire and Worcestershire Mind, Steven Hill, says having these discussions can be vital, but rising costs had placed 'immense pressure' on their ability to deliver vital services to the people of Coventry, Warwickshire and Worcestershire.

"Mental health conversations can save lives," he said.

"We’re seeing more complexity coming through, more people with higher level needs, which means the level of support they need is greater.

What this means is we are having to do this while trying to manage a reduced resource in terms of the financial resources we have, and we're struggling to meet growing demand while managing the escalating costs."

One of the biggest barriers in speaking about mental health according to the research, is fear of burdening others with struggles.

Mr Hill says despite the challenges they are facing, the Mind charity will continue their work to support people in the regions.

"We are there, we are committed, we don't want anybody to face a mental health problem on their own," Steven said.

"Whether that's talking to family or friends, communities or colleagues at work, conversations about mental health is really important, and we will continue to do everything we can to help support that."

Previously, a Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: "Our 10-Year Health Plan will improve access to essential mental health services including giving an additional 380,000 patients access to the NHS Talking Therapies programme, recruiting an extra 8,500 adult and child mental health staff and providing access to mental health support in every school."

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