Concerns over the number of people with mental health conditions in Sheffield who are falling through the cracks

Council chiefs say if people are diagnosed with a condition, they are helped by the system.

However, there are a lot of people who do not meet the threshold of having a diagnosed condition but are still in need of help and/or support for a range of mental health issues.

Simon Richards, of adult social care at Sheffield Council, told a recent scrutiny meeting: “Any representative from any agency would share a view that there are continuing and increasing issues around people presenting with mental health difficulties and how they are supported and helped.

“We have a diagnostic-driven support network so somebody has to be diagnosed with a particular condition and they may be assessed and taken into the mental health care system.

“Unfortunately a lot of people we come across are clearly disturbed in some way or have some difficulties in coping with life on a day to day basis but may not meet the threshold of having a diagnosed condition.

“So we have this constant tension between pressures on mental health services who need to maximise their resources for the people who really need it, but at the same time a lot of people are rumbling around the city with issues and concerns, a lot of which is because they are not in a settled state mentally and there is not adequate provision to support them.”

Mr Richards said mental health services were a national concern for both councils and the NHS.

“We want to join up resources more effectively to ensure people who don’t are not eligible are still receiving a level of support to help them function more effectively and cope better.

“I would be kidding you if I said it wasn’t a major challenge. We can’t continue to put a quart into a pint pot and have to look at other ways to provide support on a partnership basis.”