THOUSANDS of people in Wokingham are suffering with mental health issues and “the situation is likely to deteriorate further over the winter”.

That’s according to Cllr Charles Margetts, Wokingham Borough Council’s executive member for health, who revealed the extent of the borough’s mental health struggles at a meeting on October 29.

He said 15 per cent of people in Wokingham have been diagnosed with depression and mental health concerns are raised in around 40 per cent of GP appointments.

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It comes after mental health specialists that work with children revealed demand for crisis and eating disorder services increased in Wokingham during the coronavirus lockdown.

And self-harm rates among people who are between the ages of 10 and 24 continue to increase, according to Berkshire West Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

The latest figures show Wokingham’s self-harm hospital admission rate for 10 to 24 year olds stands at 529.3 admissions per 100,000 people, which is well above the national average (444).

But Cllr Charles Margetts insists that support is available for adults and the local NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) team is working to help young people who are struggling.

He said council staff have carried out over 6,000 welfare checks during the pandemic and 16,000 follow up checks.

The council has also been working with Citizens Advice Bureau Wokingham, through the ‘One Front Door’ scheme, to offer support to people who with mental health issues.

Cllr Margetts said: “Citizens Advice will try to resolve some of the underlying issues causing depression and anxiety, such as financial stress and relationship breakdowns.

“They can sign post to other specialist services, be it formal mental health services or other voluntary organisations.”

The Conservative councillor said the council is also looking to recruit a specialist voluntary group that can deploy Well Being Support Workers to support people suffering with “mild to moderate mental health issues”.

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“They will talk through issues over a number of sessions, as well as signposting to groups and activities to support them.

“The organisation will take referrals from GPs, statutory or voluntary organizations.

“They will also be tasked to support the voluntary sector with mental health training, providing advice and support.

“It is hoped that this service will be fully mobilised early next year.”

He added: “The council has also set up a Recovery College which provides courses and workshops for people with mental health needs and their

carers in the borough.

“The courses are focused on understanding mental health issues, managing your mental health in a positive way and generally keeping well.”