How mental health provision in Sheffield has changed for the better over the years

Some argue that mental health provision in Sheffield today still needs to be improved, but it is an improvement on the ‘lunatic asylums’ that previously existed.
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In 19th century Sheffield, people with mental health issues would be sent to Middlewood Hospital, formerly known as South Yorkshire Lunatic Asylum.

Today, there is less stigmatisation of individuals with mental health issues and there are also a variety of services available in which people can get support.

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“I would hate to think what life would have been like for people who were sent to mental asylums. Even though there’s so much more to be done today, mental health provision is so much better than it once was.

Sheffield Children's Hospital has existed for 144 years and seeks to meet the physical and mental health needs of children and young people. The old part of the hospital, which still stands today on the corner of Western Bank and Clarkson Street, was built in the early 1900s.Sheffield Children's Hospital has existed for 144 years and seeks to meet the physical and mental health needs of children and young people. The old part of the hospital, which still stands today on the corner of Western Bank and Clarkson Street, was built in the early 1900s.
Sheffield Children's Hospital has existed for 144 years and seeks to meet the physical and mental health needs of children and young people. The old part of the hospital, which still stands today on the corner of Western Bank and Clarkson Street, was built in the early 1900s.

“At least now, it’s more acceptable to have mental health issues,” ex service user Amber* said.

Sheffield Archives show records of Middlewood Hospital patients dating back to 1872, when it was established - they detail ages, occupations and ‘causes of insanity’.

The hospital eventually closed in 1996.

Meanwhile, more organisations started emerging which sought to provide mental health services to the people of Sheffield.

SADACCA on The Wicker, pictured in the 80s or 90s, is a place which provides mental health support for many in Sheffield and is where Adira and Sheffield Flourish are located.SADACCA on The Wicker, pictured in the 80s or 90s, is a place which provides mental health support for many in Sheffield and is where Adira and Sheffield Flourish are located.
SADACCA on The Wicker, pictured in the 80s or 90s, is a place which provides mental health support for many in Sheffield and is where Adira and Sheffield Flourish are located.
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Sheffield Mind - a registered charity that wants to see parity of care for people with mental and physical illness and to de-stigmatise mental health conditions so people are not discriminated against - was founded in 1978.

Sheffield Flourish is another mental health charity. One of its projects is The Sheffield Mental Health Guide, which was built for Sheffield people, by Sheffield people, and funded by Sheffield City Council.

Many more organisations have been created in recent years due to the demand for mental health support.

There are support groups started by individuals who wanted to create a safe space in which like minded people could talk about their experiences, catering specifically to different groups.

(L-R) Ray Irwin, Carl McKeown and Martin Frost - facilitators at Sheffield's Andy's Man Club(L-R) Ray Irwin, Carl McKeown and Martin Frost - facilitators at Sheffield's Andy's Man Club
(L-R) Ray Irwin, Carl McKeown and Martin Frost - facilitators at Sheffield's Andy's Man Club
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For example, as a result of the increased number of male suicides, there has been a growth in the number of mental health support groups aimed at men.

Carl McKeown of Sheffield’s Andy’s Man Club, said: “It is a great opportunity to meet up with guys. To provide support for people that don’t know that they need it.

“It’s giving people the opportunity to talk - a show of solidarity.

“There is still stigma about mental health and suicide. We want to break down that stigma.”

Front: Tyrah Myrie from Tyrah's Touch and Salim Murama from J's Barber Shop. Back: Josie Sautar from Sheffield Flourish, Ursula Myrie from Adira and Marjorie Frater from Adira.Front: Tyrah Myrie from Tyrah's Touch and Salim Murama from J's Barber Shop. Back: Josie Sautar from Sheffield Flourish, Ursula Myrie from Adira and Marjorie Frater from Adira.
Front: Tyrah Myrie from Tyrah's Touch and Salim Murama from J's Barber Shop. Back: Josie Sautar from Sheffield Flourish, Ursula Myrie from Adira and Marjorie Frater from Adira.
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Another big change in Sheffield has been in regards to black mental health.

There are now specific support groups for the black community including Adira that seeks to break down barriers in the black community, and Maan, which focuses on mental health in the Somali community.

Adira is working with Sheffield Flourish and Sheffield Health and Social Care for The Black Hair Care Project.

Ursula Myrie of Adira, said: “This is historic. Nothing like this has been done in Sheffield.”

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The idea of The Black Hair Care Project came about after Ursula’s own experience when she was sectioned some years ago.

It is an example of how organisations are now beginning to work together to better their understanding of mental health and to better help people experiencing ill mental health.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.

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