Listening to your experiences: Report: Evolving Voices
We heard from over 500 people across the region about their experiences with mental health care. Many shared concerns about long waits, limited flexibility in treatment options, and the challenges of accessing support before reaching a crisis point.
Respondents spoke about the emotional strain of being passed between services, difficulties accessing timely care and confusion around referral processes - especially in rural areas. These insights underscore the importance of ongoing efforts to build a more inclusive, coordinated, and accessible mental health system for everyone in Cornwall.
67% of survey respondents said they were not able to access the mental support they needed in Cornwall
91% of survey respondents felt that mental health services don’t communicate well with each other
82% of survey respondents felt that there is not enough mental health awareness and support within the community
We’ve gathered residents’ experiences to highlight challenges in accessing mental health support in Cornwall. Now, more people are aware of the long waiting times for assessments, the lack of tailored treatment options, and the struggles many face just to be heard or taken seriously by services.
What difference did this make?
By highlighting the lived experiences of residents and service providers, we aim to support constructive dialogue, raise awareness of key challenges and contribute to longer-term improvements in access, coordination, and person-centred care across the county.
NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly published their response to our report acknowledging they have more to do and outlining their future plans to improve:
