Long waiting lists worsening mental well-being across Shropshire
A Bridgnorth mental health hub says some people are waiting years for support, with delays leaving many struggling to cope
Long mental health waiting lists are contributing to a decline in wellbeing across Shropshire, according to a Bridgnorth-based support service.
The Stay Mentally Healthy Hub says some people are waiting years to access help, with the delays themselves having a damaging impact on mental health.
But that's not the only factor driving a decline in well-being, it also comes down to a number of factors including:
- Stigma
- Not making an emotional connection to a consultant
- Not meeting the eligibility criteria to get a councillor
A major issue comes down to how long waiting lists actively worsen people's mental health- with some waiting years for support.
Mary Phillip's is a consultant from Stay Mentally Healthy hub in Bridgnorth, she said another reason it down to people lacking to speak up in an effort to help themselves:
"Waiting lists can 'destroy you,' which is a key reason the hub exists: to support people while they wait, or when they don’t meet eligibility criteria for counselling."
Phillips explained that the hub was created in response to the damaging impact of long mental health waiting lists.
The hub offers one-to-one appointments and workshops focused on helping people support themselves, using approaches shaped by Mary’s own lived experience of mental health challenges.
All consultants at the hub have personal experience of anxiety, depression, and intrusive thoughts, which helps clients feel understood and safe.
Mary highlights that many people struggle to connect with traditional therapists, and that shared lived experience can break down those barriers and encourage people to open up.
She added:
"Talking is often the first step to recovery, and that speaking about feelings can be life-saving."
"The hub works through self-help processes designed to break cycles of negative thinking and ongoing suffering."
She also notes that some people don’t reach out because they want to help themselves but don’t know how. The hub aims to fill that gap and prevent further deterioration while people are waiting for formal services.
One of the biggest ongoing challenges is simply making sure people know the hub exists and that support is available to them.