Laura Sharman 17 December 2020

Social workers report significant spike in nation’s mental distress

Nearly all local authorities have reported an increase in the number of people accessing mental health services for the first time, according to a new survey.

The research by the British Association of Social Workers (BASW) found 96% of local authorities reported a rise in first-time presentations of mental ill health during the first lockdown.

The research, commissioned by the Department of Health and Social Care, found 60% of respondents said the level of demand for mental health services was above pre-lockdown levels.

It also found many Approved Mental Health Professionals (AMHP) were concerned that withdrawal of face-to-face visits and monitoring by community services led to requests for MHA assessments which would not otherwise have been made.

Steve Chamberlain, chair of AMHP Leads Network and BASW England member, said: 'The reality is that AMHPs only see people who are in a mental health crisis – most people don’t reach that point.

'Therefore, the increase in those numbers strongly suggests that this is just the tip of the iceberg and that the pandemic has caused considerable mental distress for a great many people.'

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Enforcement and Monitoring Officer (Planning Enforcement)

West Northamptonshire Council
£34,203 - £37,067
About the role West Northamptonshire Council is looking for a dedicated and proactive Planning Enforcement Officer to help drive forward its place-shaping agenda. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in ensuring the best developments are d Towcester
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

HGV & Municipal Vehicle Technician

Ribble Valley Borough Council
Scale 5 (scp 16-19) £29,572 to £31,067 per annum
The maintenance is undertaken in the Council’s vehicle workshop on the Salthill Industrial Estate, Clitheroe Clitheroe, Lancashire
Recuriter: Ribble Valley Borough Council

Moving into Adulthood Worker

West Northamptonshire Council
£39,190 - £41,797
About the role We recognise the challenges faced by young people and their families as they transition from children’s services into adult services, and are committed to ensuring that we have the right conversations with them at the right time to ensure Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Director of Transport

East Midlands Combined County Authority
£112,924
East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is on a bold journey. East Midlands Region
Recuriter: East Midlands Combined County Authority

Director of Children’s Services (DCS)

Swindon Borough Council
£129,000
Be the DCS you always wanted to be. Swindon, Wiltshire
Recuriter: Swindon Borough Council
Linkedin Banner