North Somerset Council has started a public consultation on its first ever five-year mental health and wellbeing strategy.

The pioneering initiative is part of the council's ongoing efforts to tackle health inequalities and make the area healthier.

The draft North Somerset Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy for 2024 to 2029 highlights the importance of prevention and early intervention, especially for young people.

Local statistics from GP surgeries indicate a rise in depression among adults, currently at 15 per cent, representing 24,000 adults.

This stands in stark contrast to the 10 per cent figure recorded in 2016.

Furthermore, the council notes an increase in mental health needs among children and young people.

Current data reveals that 3.6 per cent of secondary school students have documented social, emotional and mental health needs.

Subsequently, the referral rates to mental health services have surged recently..

The prospective strategy proposes an action plan detailing collaboration efforts between the council and its partners to address mental health issues and combat health inequalities.

The strategy's three main themes include prevention of mental ill-health, early intervention, and comprehensive support for those living with mental illnesses.

North Somerset Times: The pioneering initiative is part of the council's ongoing efforts to tackle health inequalities

North Somerset Council’s executive member for public health, Cllr Jenna Ho Marris, said: "The challenges of recent years, including the impact of the pandemic and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, have impacted on the mental health and wellbeing of our communities.

"Positive mental health is just as important as physical health, and the two are connected.

"We must do everything we can to make good physical and mental health available to everyone, but especially to our youngest and our most vulnerable residents, and those who can access it the least."

People can participate in the consultation, which runs from February 15 to March 28, by visiting www.n-somerset.gov.uk/mhstrategy.

The council encourages community involvement in shaping the scope of the strategy.

The feedback gathered during the consultation period will help shape the strategy's final draft expected for endorsement by councillors later this summer.