Understanding mental health and wellbeing in Coventry and Warwickshire

We carried out a Mental Health and Wellbeing Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) to understand the needs of the Coventry and Warwickshire adult populations. As part of this we asked residents aged 16 and over and professionals about their own mental health and wellbeing.

The survey took place between February 24th and March 26th 2021 and was hosted on Warwickshire County Council’s Ask Warwickshire consultation hub. The survey received 581 respondents. Additionally, an Easy read version of the survey was developed and made available on the Ask Warwickshire consultation hub. We received 969 responses in total. Responses were received from individuals across Coventry (16%) and Warwickshire (84%).

At the beginning of the survey, respondents were asked which of the presented options best described their main reason for completing the survey. In total:

• 34% of respondents had used mental health support services in Coventry & Warwickshire in some form, whether specifically within the last 12 months or at an unspecified time in the past or were “other individuals”. Other individuals included those on the clinically extremely vulnerable list, respondents who wanted to contribute to mental health issues, those experiencing depression and/or anxiety, or respondents who were asked to complete the survey by local support group(s).

• 34% of responses were from individuals who had not used mental health support services and lived in Coventry or Warwickshire.

• 25% of responses were from professionals including both health and care professionals as well as other professionals from the voluntary and community sector.

• 7% of respondents stated they were carers of individuals, or had a family member who, has used mental health support services in Coventry or Warwickshire.

There were a number of key messages that arose from the responses. These can be viewed in detail in the JSNA report and its appendices by clickign on this link: https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/joint-strategic-needs-assessments-1/thematic-needs-assessments-previous-annual-updates/1

This Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) has provided an understanding of adult mental health and wellbeing needs across Coventry and Warwickshire (Mental Health Needs Assessment 2021).

The assessment incorporates national and local evidence to support local priority setting and action. Poor mental health and wellbeing has a large impact on people’s lives in Warwickshire and Coventry. This needs assessment has highlighted several key themes across the several of the chapters:

• High levels of poor wellbeing and mental ill health;
• Difficulty in accessing or understanding available services or support;
• Growing future demand; and
• The short- and long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The full report is available by clicking on this link: https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/joint-strategic-needs-assessments-1/thematic-needs-assessments-previous-annual-updates/1

The findings are being used to inform local commissioning plans, Health and Wellbeing Strategies and local transformation plans.