‘Significant rise’ in depression leads to major overhaul of mental health support in Rotherham
The Council has unveiled a plan to step up mental health support in the borough
Rotherham Council has unveiled a major overhaul of adult mental health support after figures showed depression rates in the borough have almost doubled in a decade.
A draft adult social care mental health strategy for 2026–2029 sets out a new three-year plan to improve access to support, strengthen crisis responses and put people with lived experience at the heart of decision-making.
According to the council, the prevalence of depression in Rotherham rose from 8.8% in 2012 to 17.3% in 2022, well above the national average of 13.2%. That increase represents a jump from around 18,000 adults to 37,000 people experiencing depression locally.
Demand for social care support linked to mental ill-health has also grown. As of August 2025, 460 adults were receiving help from adult social care with mental health listed as their primary reason for support, up 21% in just two years.
The council says the sharp rise reflects the pressures facing residents, including the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, isolation, insecure work, and housing challenges.
The strategy sets out plans to expand early intervention, making it easier for people to access help close to home, and reducing waiting times for assessments. New mental health support hubs are expected to be created across the borough, while the existing Mental Health Enablement Service which offers up to 15 weeks of tailored support, will be expanded.
Preventing people from reaching crisis point is a central theme. The draft report notes that 24.3 per cent of adults reported high anxiety scores last year, while loneliness continues to be a major concern across all age groups.
Rotherham Council says the strategy was shaped by adults with lived experience of mental ill-health, as well as carers, families and local support organisations.
Among the proposals are a new Mental Health Partnership Board to ensure residents’ voices shape services; a commitment to complete most Care Act assessments within 28 working days; more accessible information and advice for residents and carers; stronger support for families and people who care for someone with mental ill-health; and new training for staff
The strategy also highlights the growing link between mental ill-health and housing vulnerability. The proportion of homeless households in Rotherham with mental health support needs has risen from 15.9 per cent to 39 per cent in just two years.
Rotherham’s crisis referral rate currently stands at 20.5 per 1,000 adults, and suicide rates remain above the national average. The council says it will work with NHS partners to review the entire crisis pathway to ensure people can access help quickly and safely.
The draft strategy is now open to feedback as the council begins shaping the final version, due to be adopted in 2026.
Residents can give feedback and find out more about the strategy on the council’s website.