Do you have to travel out of North Yorkshire to get mental health support?

Whether you live in Harrogate but go to Leeds, or live in Settle or Skipton and travel to Keighley - wherever you are, we've been hearing from you.

Read our latest insight report

We wanted to know if you or your loved ones used (or tried to access) NHS mental health support services. We asked about experiences, what worked well and what needs to be changed. 

Many people are struggling with their mental health. NHS England reveal that at least one person in four is experiencing a mental health condition, with mental health charity Mind reporting 1 in 6 people experiencing a common mental health problem (like anxiety and depression) in any given week in England.

Healthwatch North Yorkshire has joined forces with other local Healthwatch in West Yorkshire (Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds, Wakefield District and Bradford District) for a mental health survey. We wanted to see what you think about surveys as we believe they should be tailored to you.

Who did we hear from?

Anyone who uses services in North Yorkshire, including carers for anyone facing mental health challenges and staff who support people with their mental health as part of their job.

Why are we asking about mental health?

The West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (who also cover Craven) will be looking at ways to make mental health services better. Their role is to join up health and care services, improve people’s health and wellbeing and reduce health inequalities.

We therefore wanted to use this as an opportunity to get your feedback to them.

What you tell us will form part of wider work by the West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership (also known as an integrated care system), who plan and deliver services, to improve things for people.

Your feedback helps us to see the full picture, make recommendations and ask for a response about what will be done by in charge of NHS mental healthcare services.

Share your views directly with local NHS leaders

The NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board will be looking at ways to make mental health support better for people at their next meeting on Tuesday 19 September 2023  at The LIFE Centre, Wapping Road, Bradford, BD3 0EQ at 11.15am . There is an opportunity to take part in the meeting and share your views of services, good and bad.

• People are asked to contact westyorkshire.ics@nhs.net if they would like to attend the AGM by 5.00pm on Tuesday 12 September 2023.
• People can submit questions about items on the agenda of the main board meeting to westyorkshire.ics@nhs.net, by 9.00am on Monday 18 September.
• They can also call 01924 317659 to submit questions or to book their place to attend.