Agenda item

Report from the Strategic Director of Adult Care, Housing and Public Health.

Recommendations:

That Cabinet approve publication of the new Rotherham Council Adult Social Care Mental Health Strategy 2026 -2029.

Consideration was given to the report which outlined the outcomes of the consultation on the future vision, themes and priorities for mental health and presented the first Rotherham Council Adult Social Care Mental Health Strategy 2026-2029. Cabinet had approved a new operating model for the Council’s Mental Health Service in December 2023, which included a recommendation to develop a co-designed Adult Mental Health Strategy for Rotherham, once the new model was operational.

The consultation took place from 8 May 2025 to 27 July 2025 to seek

the views of people with lived experience of mental ill health, their families, carers, and professionals on the future vision, values, and priorities for mental health provision in Rotherham.

The most valued areas, as identified through multiple-choice responses,

were:

• Empowering you, by receiving the right support, at the right time.
• Everyone has the same opportunities to access support, regardless of their background and need.
• People can improve their overall mental health and wellbeing.
• Access to help, advice and services which are closer to home

The Strategy acknowledged and built on Rotherham’s Four Cornerstones, developed in partnership with people with lived experience, partners, and support organisations. These principles were widely recognised as essential for good practice:

• Welcome and Care
• Value and Include
• Communicate
• Work in Partnership
  
  

The service priorities identified as being most important were:

• Reducing wait times for assessments and services
• Clear crisis support and contact points
• Easier access to information, advice, and support
• Consistent access to services across Rotherham
  
  

The outcomes from the consultation had shaped the Strategy which was attached at Appendix 1. Further details and analysis on the consultation were attached at Appendix 2 with the Strategy Delivery Plan attached at Appendix 3.

The report was considered by the Health Select Commission who advised that the recommendations be supported. Discussions at Health Select had focussed on increased depression rates, transition pathways, partner integration and alignment with other Council strategies, the proposed Mental Health Partnership Board, support for under-represented minority groups, loneliness and isolation, male suicide rates and success measures.

Resolved:

That Cabinet approve publication of the new Rotherham Council Adult Social Care Mental Health Strategy 2026-2029.