Healthwatch Cornwall has just published a persuasive report. It raises the alarming call for better mental health facilities and services, following two detailed surveys done between October 2024 and January 2025. Together, the surveys gathered knowledge from more than 500 practitioners. Through their art, they opened our eyes to the struggles that people endure when trying to find mental health resources in the area.
Debbie Gilbert, CEO of Healthwatch Cornwall, spoke passionately, urging the government to make change happen now. She said that the lived experiences told in the report’s many powerful stories are proof enough, “change is needed now.” The Equity in Infrastructure complaint 201. And in addition, it gives a megaphone to people who are living with mental health conditions.
Information provided by Healthwatch Cornwall shows huge leaps in the numbers of people accessing mental health care. Adult community mental health services grew in capacity from serving 3,095 to 6,205 people per year. The overall number of children and young people in care increased, jumping from 4,050 in 2021 to 8,130. Even with these advances, wait times continue to be a vital issue.
People who took our surveys spoke to us about their aggravation over increased wait times to receive care. One individual recounted their experience:
“I was desperate for help, but the waiting list was months long. By the time I got support, I had already reached crisis point.” – survey participant
Gilbert for calling the report “insightful and hard-hitting.” He pointed out the shameful delays, in particular for autism diagnosis and assessment for children’s learning difficulties. During her testimony, she encouraged decision-makers to hear out this feedback. Developing plans to take meaningful action will go a long way to improving crucial mental health services in Cornwall.
Susan Bracefield, chief nursing officer for NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, acknowledged the increasing demand for mental health support, especially in the wake of the pandemic. She stated, “We understand that the increased need for mental health support… has led to longer waiting times, which is why we are investing into more local and digital access to mental health support to increase our capacity.”
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