ORGANISATIONS which provide mental health services are ‘invisible’ and are letting people in Barnsley down, according to councillors.

They met on Tuesday to scrutinise the council’s suicide prevention work, following publication of the cross-government suicide prevention strategy in January.

An review of suicides in Barnsley revealed 85 per cent of people who took their own lives were men. Almost half of people were single, divorced or separated, 46 per cent had previously attempted suicide or self harmed, 54 per cent were known to have had mental health problems and 57 per cent were known to have had drug or alcohol problems or both.

Coun Roya Pourali said she thought mental health services in Barnsley were ‘invisible.’

She said: “In the beginning, they were quite visible, but there is a lot of stigma attached to that, and (because of that) I don’t see them anymore.

“It is about engaging with the community and I think there are still things missing from the side of South West Yorkshire NHS Foundation Trust.”

Julia Burrows, director for public health said she would raise that concern at a workshop including organisations involved in preventing suicide.

She added: “There is a recognition that we all need to do better. I would like to think the workshop will address some of these issues.”

Coun Karen Dyson added: “SWYFT and the CCG (which commissions the town’s health services) are letting people in Barnsley down. There is too much of a waiting time. Can we get mental health assessments earlier?

“I know someone at the moment who has been waiting six months and has attempted suicide.”

She was told by Phil Ainsworth, a council health and wellbeing officer, said he had noted her comments and would seek a response.

Phil said quick recourses to deal with demand and timely access were a problem, and was looking to put support in one place so it was easily accessible to people. He said people could also refer to the Live Well Barnsley for help around mental health and community-based services that might be available quickly.

Coun Phil Lofts asked what the waiting time for counselling was following referral, and was told it was eight to 12 weeks.

He added: “We’ve got to be careful. If people have to wait eight to 12 weeks, they might take another route out if they are desperate.”

Coun Robert Frost said the waiting time highlighted a lack of resources, and Coun Paul Hand-Davis called for more specialists to work at weekends.

Coun Joe Hayward also said everything possible must be done to ensure veterans had access to support.

Julia Burrows said: “Every suicide which takes place is a tragedy. Thirteen people take their own lives every day in England and it is estimated that for every person who takes their own life, there are 60 people affected.

“There is still a huge stigma around mental health and we have a huge responsibility in addressing that.”