MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

BARNSLEY was among the worst-affected places for residents suffering with their mental health during the pandemic.

As of March 2023, they were among the top five places in the country for antidepressant use.

A scrutiny report into mental health in the borough found that almost 14 per cent of adults have been diagnosed with depression - higher than the Yorkshire and Humber average of 12 per cent.

Barnsley also has the highest rate of hospital admissions due to self-harm in the region, and its suicide rate is ‘significantly higher than the national average’despite halving over the last three years.

To counter this, the council created a number of projects to help those people who needed it most - including the implimentation of a new mental health support hub.

The Barnsley Support Hub, which provides free mental health support to anyone aged 18 and over, has helped 110 people since it opened on Eldon Street in October 2022.

The hub offers one-to-one emotional support as well as a space for people to access advice, guidance, and information to help their mental health.

There is no need for a referral and individuals can access support face-to-face, over the phone or via video call.

Coun Caroline Makinson, cabinet spokesperson for public health and communities, said: “It was fantastic to visit this vital service and to hear how they have been working hard since August last year to improve the mental health of Barnsley residents.

“With a brilliant location right in the centre of Barnsley, service users can drop in and gain support whenever they need it.

“We are proactively looking to enhance this service to seven days a week and I urge anyone who needs help and support to drop in at the support hub.”