The Wallich has launched a new report exploring the issues of crisis mental health, homelessness and co-occurring substance use in Wales.
The mental health emergency is disproportionately affecting people in homelessness
The Mental Health on Hold report by The Wallich details barriers to access and a breakdown in the mental health referral system, leading to vulnerable people in crisis being criminalised and retraumatised.
Topline findings
- A frontline staff survey about accessing mental health support for people in crisis:
83% found it difficult to access the right support for clients (63% really difficult)
8% said that no help was available
Just 3% of staff said appropriate support was available
- Analysis of 4,216 records across 3 years, on the charity’s incident management system found:
481 incidents of self-harm or suicidal ideation
294 incidents relating to drug or alcohol overdoses
1,508 incidents of erratic or aggressive behaviou
- 35 FOI requests to public services show:
Whilst on paper services claim to be accessible to all who need them, in practice there are real barriers faced by people experiencing homelessness, despite high levels of need.