Hard-hitting report reveals much needed better mental health support in Cornwall
Based on people’s real experiences, our in-depth review highlights critical gaps in crisis support, long waiting times and the ongoing stigma faced by those with mental health issues in workplace and healthcare settings.
The Healthwatch Cornwall research consisted of two surveys carried out from October 2024 to January 2025 (241 responses), insights gathered from personal experiences reported online, by phone and in person (187 responses), data collected by the Healthwatch team during observational visits to health and social care providers and a data request to Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. In total feedback was gathered from 514 individuals.
One participant shared:
'I was desperate for help, but the waiting list was months long. By the time I got support, I had already reached crisis point.’
Download the report
Key findings indicate:
- Severe workforce shortages
- Excessive waiting times
- Eligibility barriers to specialist care
- Rural and coastal health inequalities
- Out-of-county patient placements
- Funding and service fragmentation
- Limited treatment options
To address the challenges, Healthwatch Cornwall recommends:
- Maximising the existing workforce by introducing group-based mental health support in GP surgeries, providing basic mental health training for reception staff and offering flexible working arrangements to improve staff retention.
- Reducing waiting times without extra funding by developing structured ‘while-you-wait’ support systems that include digital self-help resources, peer support groups, and check-ins for those on waiting lists.
- Improving rural access by using libraries, community centres, and local venues for mental health drop-in sessions, expanding telephone and online support, and exploring subsidised travel options for those attending appointments.
- Strengthening crisis support without overloading A&E by training non-clinical staff in de-escalation techniques, expanding crisis helplines and creating safe community spaces for out-of-hours mental health support.
- Expanding treatment options beyond CBT and medication by encouraging social prescribing, integrating peer-led support groups, and improving staff training in trauma-informed care and neurodiversity.
- Simplifying access to services by standardising GP referral forms, developing a central online directory of mental health services, and ensuring every discharged patient receives a clear care plan.
- Making mental health care more inclusive by providing alternatives to phone-based services, strengthening mental health support in schools, and encouraging mental health awareness initiatives in workplaces.
- Reducing out-of-county placements by expanding community-based crisis support, working with care homes to provide local respite beds, and improving discharge planning for those returning from out-of-county treatment.
Debbie Gilbert, CEO of Healthwatch Cornwall, said:
“This is an insightful and hard-hitting report that amplifies the voices of those struggling with mental health challenges. Their stories make it clear: change is needed now. Long waiting times, particularly for autism and children's learning disability assessments, are unacceptable and leave families in limbo. We urge decision-makers to listen and take meaningful action to improve mental health services in Cornwall.”
Mental health support available in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly
- NHS 111 provides mental health support and advice available 24/7: online: Get help for your symptoms - NHS 111 and by calling 111. Call free any time, day or night if you are worried about your own or someone else's mental health. The local team behind the 24/7 open access telephone response line will listen to you and determine how best to help
- Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly NHS Talking Therapies offer online support and NHS talking therapies. Call 01208 871 905 for people aged 16+ years. The Suicide Liaison Service is also available via this number. This is also an NHS funded service but for adults 18+ who have been bereaved by suicide
- Samaritans: emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide. Call 116 123, 24 hours a day or email jo@samaritans.org
- Man Down: supporting men's mental health in Cornwall. Visit www.mandown-cornwall.co.uk
- Your Voice: supporting women's mental health in Cornwall. More information can be found on the Your Voice website.
- Georgia's Voice: supporting young women's mental health in Cornwall. You can find more information on the Georgia's Voice website
- We Are With You is a service for anyone who is worried about their own drug or alcohol use, or someone else's. Call 01872 263 001 or visit the Cornwall, Truro - With You website
- Childline: free, private and confidential service for anyone under 19 where you can talk about anything. Whatever your worry, whenever you need help, anytime. Call 0800 1111. You can also email or chat via the Childline website
- Shout: 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. It is a place to go if you are struggling to cope and you need immediate help. Text: 85258
- CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): for men who are down or who need to talk, find information and support. Call 0800 58 58 58, 5pm to midnight every day. You can also webchat on the CALM website
- If you are a young person or worried about a child, you can call the Early Help Hub for advice and help. Call 01872 322 277 or email earlyhelphub@cornwall.gov.uk
