Havering residents are continuing to raise concerns about access to mental health support, with figures showing long waits and overstretched services across the borough.
Around 17% of adults registered with GPs in Havering report depression or anxiety, yet only 41% of adults referred for treatment across East London receive it within the NHS target of 18 weeks. Services are operating at over 100% capacity, leaving many residents waiting months before receiving help.
A Havering Council survey earlier this year found that residents identified mental health support – such as bereavement services, counselling, and buddy schemes – as one of the top needs to help prevent more serious problems. However, feedback suggested that many found services hard to access, poorly advertised, and not always suitable for their circumstances.
Concerns have also been raised for young people, with the Havering Youth Wellbeing Census showing girls report lower wellbeing than boys, and loneliness and school stress highlighted as growing issues.
Campaigners argue that long waiting times, unclear information, and gaps in crisis support leave many residents feeling let down. In consultations, carers and autistic residents have also said they often struggle to find services tailored to their needs.
The question to ask is: Is Havering being let down by poor access to mental health support?
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