MENTAL Health and Emotional Wellbeing are the themes of the latest Annual Report from Middlesbrough’s Director of Public Health.
Edward Kunonga’s 2014/15 report builds on last year’s overview of the key issues facing the town, with prevention and early intervention once again at the top of the agenda.
The 47-page document outlines the key challenges facing the local population, looks at the latest research and highlights examples of good practice.
The report also makes a number of recommendations to ensure local people receive the best services and support.
A number of key themes are explored including parental and early years mental health, children and young people’s mental health and adult mental health and wellbeing.
Mr Kunonga once again stressed the importance of moving the emphasis from treatment and cure to prevention and early intervention, in an area which accounts for 23% of the burden on the NHS but receives just 13% of the funding available.
He said: “Mental health is a complex issue which can be very costly for individuals and society as a whole.
“The consequences of not addressing the issues early and effectively can be disastrous and costly – from long-term illness and poor quality of life to premature death.
“That’s why improved mental health and emotional wellbeing are at the heart of the town’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy as they are the foundations on which so many other areas of our lives depend.
“Everyone has a part to play, and I hope this report will act as a catalyst to bringing about some real and long-lasting changes for the people of Middlesbrough and beyond.”
Councillor Mick Thompson, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Communities and Public Health, said: “Middlesbrough continues to make significant progress in a number of areas, but there are undoubtedly challenges which must be overcome if we are to see real long-term benefits.
“Improving mental health is of paramount importance for everyone, regardless of age or background, and this important report gives clear direction on the issues we face and action we can all take to address them.”
To view or download a copy of Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing in Middlesbrough, the 2014/15 Annual Report of the Middlesbrough Director of Public Health, visit www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/static/ebooks/MH/index.html#6