Coventry and Warwickshire Mental Health Needs Assessment (2021) - Publications

Mental health is shaped by a wide range of social, economic and environmental factors, including housing, employment, education, financial security and social connections.

People living in more deprived communities experience poorer mental health outcomes and higher demand for mental health services.

Poor housing, homelessness, unemployment and social isolation are all strongly associated with poorer mental wellbeing.

Positive factors such as supportive relationships, access to green space and good employment opportunities can help improve mental wellbeing and build resilience.

Coventry experiences higher levels of deprivation than Warwickshire, contributing to greater inequalities in mental health outcomes across the area.

Mental wellbeing improved between 2012 and 2019 but declined significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Young adults experienced some of the largest declines in wellbeing, including increases in low self-worth and psychological distress.

Women were particularly affected by worsening wellbeing during the pandemic.

Healthy coping strategies, physical activity and opportunities for relaxation are associated with better mental wellbeing.

Employers have an important role in supporting wellbeing and creating mentally healthy workplaces.

Common mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression affect a significant proportion of adults, while severe mental illness can have substantial impacts on health, wellbeing and life expectancy.

Around one in six adults experiences symptoms of a common mental health disorder during any given week.

Hospital admissions for severe mental illness are considerably higher in more deprived communities.

People with learning disabilities and autistic people are at greater risk of experiencing mental health difficulties and wider health inequalities.

Personality disorders and eating disorders affect many people locally and often require specialist support.

Suicide remains a significant public health issue, with men accounting for the majority of deaths by suicide.

Some communities experience a greater risk of poor mental health and face additional barriers to accessing support.

Higher-risk groups include ethnically diverse communities, LGBTQ+ people, carers, veterans, young adults in transition and inclusion health groups such as people experiencing homelessness.

These groups may experience poorer outcomes, lower awareness of available support or barriers to accessing services that meet their needs.

Tailored, culturally competent and accessible approaches are needed to reduce inequalities and improve outcomes.

Awareness of NHS mental health services is generally high, but awareness of voluntary and community sector support is lower.

Many people report difficulties accessing support before reaching crisis point.

Long waiting times, service eligibility criteria and digital exclusion can create barriers to accessing help.

People with multiple or complex needs often experience additional challenges navigating services.