Mental health of Blackpool's young people worst hit during lockdown

Demand for mental health services during the Covid-19 crisis in Blackpool has been around double that of similar sized areas such as Preston.

The report, by director of children’s services Diane Booth, to the Scrutiny Leadership Board said: “The area of greatest concern through the Covid period has been mental health and well-being.

“In particular, there have been increasing numbers of care leavers struggling with their mental health through the period of lockdown.

“There have been incidences of attempted suicide, self-harm and harm to others.”

Ms Booth said supporting mental health was a key priority, and added it was “part of a wider picture where Blackpool is facing high levels of presenting demand for mental health services – around double the presenting issues in other similar sized areas, such as Preston, Lancaster or Blackburn with Darwen.”

Jeanette Richards, assistant director of children’s services, told the meeting social workers had been “exceptionally worried” during the Covid outbreak about the wellbeing of young people with mental health issues.

She said: “We have increased their contact with services almost to the point where we are checking in with them every day.”

People who had already successfully left council care were using their experiences to help other young people make the same transition.

Additional support is also being offered as lockdown eases, including extra services around the re-opening of bars and the relaxation of measures this weekend.

Coun Paul Galley also suggested the council harnesses its Active Blackpool initiative to encourage young people to use the town's parks and open spaces as a way of improving their wellbeing and mental health.