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Bridging the Mental Health Gap in Underserved Communities

Bridging the Mental Health Gap in Underserved Communities

 

Mental health challenges are universal, yet access to care remains uneven. In communities across Hull, East Riding, Grimsby, and Scunthorpe, access to mental health care remains deeply unequal. At HBTC, we believe it’s time to break down those barriers.

Socioeconomic factors, service availability, and cultural stigmas contribute to disparities in mental health support. This article explores the local situation, pointing out the gaps in mental health services and offering suggestions on where to find help in your area.

The population affected – why it matters

There are a variety of elements that can cause someone to suffer from their mental health. Mental health issues are often shaped by a wide range of factors, including:

  • Socio-economic pressures, such as poverty, housing issues, and unemployment
  • Exposure to violence and trauma
  • Lack of social support
  • Physical ill-health
  • Inequality and discrimination

The World Health Organisation (WHO) highlights that poor mental health is often caused or worsened by gender discrimination, social exclusion, rapid social change, and violations of basic human rights. For many in underserved communities, these stressors are part of daily life.

regional struggles in mental health care

Hull:

  • Over 30,000 adults (18–64) are estimated to experience common mental health disorders.
  • In 2023 and 2024, 2,928 people registered with GPs in Hull were diagnosed with severe mental illness issues, representing 0.93% of the population, slightly below the national average of 0.96%
  • Hull had the highest percentage of adults in contact with mental health services in England during 2022 and 2023, at 10.8%.

East Riding:

  • In 2020, more than half (52.4%) of people who received social care and support were experiencing depression and anxiety.
  • In the East Riding in 2017 and 2018, 20–24-year-olds had the highest self-harm hospital admission rates (463 per 100,000).

Grimsby & Scunthorpe:

  • In North East Lincolnshire, the NELC Wellbeing Service reports an increased severity of support needs required. This includes help with suicidal ideation and intent, high-level anxiety, domestic abuse, job loss, COVID-19 fears, loneliness, and isolation.
  • Long NHS wait times and a shortage of local services often result in crisis escalation.

These statistics illustrate that mental health challenges are widespread and more severe in areas facing isolation and under-resourced services.

Barriers to support in underserved communities

  • Stigma: Many still feel shame in seeking help, especially among older generations or certain cultural groups.
  • Access: Services are often located in centralised hubs, with poor transport links from outlying areas.
  • Cost: While the NHS provides free care, long waits push some toward private options, which are unaffordable for many.
  • Cultural Relevance: A lack of diverse, culturally sensitive practitioners can deter people from engaging in therapy.

bridging the gap: what’s being done

Community-Based Initiatives:

  • Hull and East Yorkshire Mind offers local therapy, peer support, and youth services.
  • The Together for Mental Wellbeing service (run by Mind branches across Hull, East Riding, and North Lincolnshire) provides suicide bereavement support and guidance.
  • Newland Allotments’ ‘Let’s Talk’ Project in Hull and the East Riding gives individuals who have mild to moderate learning difficulties, physical difficulties, long-term health conditions, and those struggling with mental health issues, a chance to heal through nature and social connection.

Emergency and Crisis Support:

  • Humbercare’s Mental Health Crisis and Intervention Service works directly with individuals in Hull experiencing extreme distress, providing immediate assistance to avoid hospitalisation. They aim to reduce emergency service wait times and ensure appropriate care is given to those in need.
  • Samaritans: For anyone needing to talk, 24/7.
    Call 116 123 for free.
Bridging the Mental Health Gap in Underserved Communities: Image of support

how we can all help bridge the gap

1. Talk Openly About Mental Health

Normalising conversations reduces stigma and empowers others to seek help. Sometimes, a friendly chat is all someone needs to express their emotions and feelings. Never feel ashamed.

2. Support Local Organisations

Donations and volunteering can extend the reach of frontline services.

3. Educate Yourself and Others

Understanding mental health and how it intersects with social justice can foster more compassionate communities.

4. Advocate for Better Funding

Mental health services need more investment to meet demand, especially in underserved regions. By spreading the word, supporting organisations working on the issue, and petitioning the need for more mental health services within your local area, there is a bigger chance of investment.

Need help now? Here’s where to start

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health:

For more helpful resources, visit our support page: https://www.hbtc.co.uk/support/

final thoughts

Bridging the mental health gap in underserved communities isn’t just about providing services, it’s about changing the conversation. It’s about recognising that mental health support is a right, not a privilege. Together, we can build a future where everyone, regardless of postcode or income, gets the support they need to live a healthy, meaningful life.

At HBTC, we’re proud to advocate for equity, compassion, and access for all.

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Emily Simpson

Emily is our Learner Engagement Apprentice and is involved with all things social media and content development. She is also responsible for attending career events and maintaining relationships with local schools and colleges.

✉️ Email Emily