Issue - meetings

(a)       That the Committee note the challenges faced within mental health services and the impact Covid-19 was having on the mental health of the local population; and

(b)       That the Committee note the current provision in place to support their local constituents’ needs.

The Senior Manager – Integrated Services and Lead Adults; introduced a report to highlight the challenges faced within Mental Health Services and the impact of Covid-19 on the mental health of the local population.  She provided background information and reported that locally, across the multidisciplinary mental health teams in Flintshire, professionals in health, social care, and the voluntary sector worked in collaboration.  This work in combination with the Welsh Government investment in the Together in Mental Health Transformational Programme, there were opportunities to develop services locally that were preventative, and focused on early intervention and community resilience which should lead to improved outcomes for the local population and reduce the need for statutory services. 

The Service Manager – Disability Recovery and Progression presented the main considerations in the report which provided an update on mental health services in Flintshire in partnership with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) and local third sector partners.  She advised that additional information on services to support mental health and well-being was appended to the report.   

The Chair thanked Officers for a comprehensive report and suggested that the additional information appended to the report be included on the Council’s website to raise public awareness.  It was also agreed that a copy of the Flintshire Learning for Recovery & Wellbeing training brochure and link to the Wellbeing programme website be circulated to all Members of the Committee following the meeting.

Councillor Dave Mackie spoke in support of the numerous services in the report which provided information, advice, and guidance to help people gain access to the options available to them.  Councillor Paul Cunningham also spoke in support of the proactive stance and initiatives taken by the Council to promote mental health issues and well-being and thanked Officers for their work.

Councillor Gladys Healey commented on the issue of mental health and anxiety amongst young people and adults and asked how many psychiatrists and psychologists were available in Flintshire.  The Senior Manager – Integrated Services and Lead Adults; responded to the concerns expressed by Councillor Healey and explained  that there was a waiting list for psychology and referred to recruitment, new funding for mental health, and a new needs assessment which would demonstrate the need for more mental health funding and support.  The Service Manager – Disability Recovery and Progression advised that there were three community health teams in Social Service for Adults which had psychiatrists and psychologists in each team and explained the demand on the services was very high.  Psychiatrists and psychologists for children were based in the Children and Adolescents Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and also North Wales Adolescent Service Provision.  .

In response to the comments made by Councillor Gladys Healey, it was agreed that a letter be written to the Welsh Government to ask if a proportion of the additional funding provided to Health Boards across Wales would be provided to local authorities to provide mental health support services and whether additional funding would be provided specifically to address mental health issues arising  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11