Worcestershire Children First is supporting a new mental health campaign to keep everyone in the county talking after figures showed the number of referrals into mental health services had dropped dramatically.

Over the last six weeks referrals into local mental health services, including those supporting children, families and for adults experiencing stress and anxiety, have declined. While in Worcestershire, the Healthy Minds team which helps people with more common mental health issues has seen a reduction in referrals, both self-referrals and those from a GP, of around 70 per cent.

The Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, supported by other health and care partners and community groups, has re-launched the Now We’re Talking campaign to highlight the mental health services available and to urge people to seek support as soon as they need it.

Catherine Driscoll, director of Children’s Services at Worcestershire County Council said: “Our mission here at Worcestershire Children First is to support children and young people to be happy, healthy and safe. A huge part of that is making sure that children and families across the county have access to the support they need when they need it.

"There are many organisations across Worcestershire that are vital in helping children and their families when it comes to taking that first step to talk about mental health, and we’re really grateful for the fantastic support they provide.”

John Smith, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Health and Wellbeing said: “Around 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem this year alone, so it is vital that we all come together and do everything we can to raise awareness of the mental health issues.

"It’s really important that we do all we can, continue our great partnership working here in Worcestershire and we stop the stigma around discussing mental health.”