More clients have mental health problems.
Our advisers are seeing more clients whose problems are compounded (or caused) by a mental health condition.
Next week our District Training Day with NHS First Steps Surrey will help by building up advisers’ knowledge and understanding.
The higher numbers aren’t unexpected. All sides in the public debate accept that professional support is inadequate while the need is growing. In February an independent task force* said:
At Citizens Advice Reigate & Banstead we make sure we’re equipped and ready to help our clients whatever the problem.
District Training Day will focus on mental health conditions, identifying and supporting someone in emotional distress, and local support services.
Citizens Advice Mental Health Fact Sheet
* The Five-Year Forward View for Mental Health. A report of the independent Mental Health Taskforce to the NHS in England, February 2016.