Rotherham Council Unveils Plan to Address Rising Mental Health Needs
Rotherham, UK – Rotherham Council has outlined a new strategy to improve local mental health care services, responding to a 21% increase in adults receiving support over the past two years. As of August, 460 adults were receiving help from adult social care services, citing mental health as their primary need.
The council attributes the rise in demand to pressures faced by residents, including the cost of living crisis, social isolation, job insecurity, and housing challenges.A council report also highlighted growing demand for social care specifically linked to poor mental health.
Key proposals within the draft strategy, reported by the local Democracy Reporting Service, include expanding early intervention services and increasing access to support closer to home. Waiting times for Care Act assessments are targeted for reduction, with a commitment to completing most within 28 working days.
To bolster support, the council plans to explore the creation of new mental health support hubs throughout the borough and expand the existing Mental Health Enablement Service, which currently provides up to 15 weeks of tailored support.
The strategy also prioritizes improved details and advice accessibility for residents and carers,alongside enhanced training for staff and stronger support systems for families and those caring for individuals with mental health challenges.
A new Mental Health Partnership Board will be established to ensure residents’ perspectives directly influence service development. The draft strategy is currently open for public feedback, with final adoption anticipated in 2026.
