A PUBLIC consultation has been launched in a bid to promote positive mental health, thanks to Wokingham Borough Council.
The council wants the strategy to focus on prevention, early intervention, easy access to support, health promotion and joined up services.
It’s keen to provide care as well as encouraging people to be more independent through the support of their friends, families and the community.
And the council wants to understand the transition process into adult services for young people.
Pre-pandemic, approximately 9,000 people a week in Wokingham were struggling with a mental health problem such as anxiety or depression.
That could have now doubled since c{{{gallery:”92690″}}}{{{gallery:”92690″}}}ovid.
A consultation document has been made including discussions with people with lived experience, carers, health and social care staff.
Cllr Phil Cunnington, deputy executive member for health, wellbeing and adult services, said mental health is not uncommon.
“In fact some studies indicate that it’s more uncommon not to have mental health issues,” he said.
“It is our priority to ensure that where possible people who do have mental health issues are supported so they can remain part of the community as opposed to being apart from it.
“We really want to hear your views on what you think works well now and what you would like to see in the future.”
Cllr Cunnington added that by completing the questionnaire it will help the council improve its services.
The consultation document, along with a questionnaire, has been sent across the borough.
The council is asking for feedback from those organisations that work within the borough who want to be more involved in supporting mental health.
The closing date for questionnaire comments is September 30.
The document and questionnaire can be viewed on wokingham.gov.uk