The report of the Priority Director for Mental Health (Document “R”) provides an overview of our strategy to improving, respecting and promoting the mental wellbeing of our population to live happier, healthier and longer lives. The strategy was agreed by the Mental Health Partnership Board in 2021 and has since been refreshed as part of the reset of our system priorities by the Partnership Leadership Executive of the Integrated Health and Care Partnership Board for Bradford District and Craven. The latter part of the report takes a deep dive into the current situation within the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service for adults within Bradford District and Craven (BDC). It sets out the outcomes of the IAPT service review, identifying gaps in service against national targets and the challenges faced to increasing access in line with national targets and wider pressures such as workforce and demand.

Recommended –

The Committee are asked to note the strategy and deep dive report and are invited to attend the Breakfast Bite sessions and be involved as Mental Health Champions.

(Sasha Bhat – 01274 237537)

The report of the Priority Director for Mental Health (Document “R”) provided an overview of our strategy to improving, respecting and promoting the mental wellbeing of our population to live happier, healthier and longer lives. The strategy was agreed by the Mental Health Partnership Board in 2021 and has since been refreshed as part of the reset of our system priorities by the Partnership Leadership Executive of the Integrated Health and Care Partnership Board for Bradford District and Craven. The latter part of the report took a deep dive into the current situation within the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service for adults within Bradford District and Craven (BDC). It set out the outcomes of the IAPT service review, identifying gaps in service against national targets and the challenges faced to increasing access in line with national targets and wider pressures such as workforce and demand.

A question and answer session ensued:

o   Were tablets provided and how many were used or still in use?

·         A partnership contributed to the fund and 1000 accessible tablets were spread across the district with a guide to gain digital access. Wi-Fi was also provided and paired to people who could not afford it. The tablets have not been received back as the organisation that provided the tablets have not requested it. The people should own the tablets without worrying that it will be taken away.

o   Mental health has been down since Codid-19 – Is there a collaboration with suicide prevention and bereavement services?

·         There has been campaigns about suicide prevention by West Yorkshire partners and support has been put in place. The local bereavement and loss services has experiences a 600% increase in usage

o   There are concerns and worries as there is a 16 week waiting time for people who call for depression. Can anyone help?

·         Recruitment over the past two years has been a nationwide issue. There are mainly trainees rather than experienced staff but, there has been a struggle to recruit trainees as well. Even if the finances were covered to expand there would still be a problem with recruiting. The waiting list for the depression line has been better recently and gone down drastically. The figures have decreased and the report needs updating;

o   Were the figures from this year and does it include people who have been diagnosed and taking medication?

·         Yes;

o   It will be good to hear positive stories, why are there not any recovery stories?

·         There are videos for people who want to hear them stories;

o   60% of people have not been in touch with A&E and go to A&E for a mental/physical problem. Is anything put in place for people who do not see a way out and call A&E for mental help?

·         There is a mental health support team in A&E; and,

o   Young people have been struggling with mental health and drug use during Covid-19 as it has been more accessible to use at home which has caused violence etc. There are lifelong changes after using just once. What had been done to help or guide young people?

·         There is a Youth and Mind Service which 1700 people reached out.

Resolved: -

That the report be noted and that a further report on mental wellbeing and mental health be presented in 12 months’ time.

Action: Priority Director for Mental Health, Bradford District & Craven Health and Care Partnership