Shocking Report Reveals Serious Gaps in Cornwall’s Mental Health Services

Calls for urgent improvements as residents face long waits, limited support and out-of-county placements

Mental health support in Cornwall is falling short, according to new findings released today, 6th May 2025. Healthwatch Cornwall has published an in-depth review highlighting major issues facing those seeking help, including severe workforce shortages, long waiting times and persistent stigma.

The research, based on real experiences, paints a troubling picture of the challenges facing residents across the county.

Key issues uncovered

Healthwatch Cornwall’s review, which gathered feedback from 514 individuals between October 2024 and January 2025, identified several critical concerns:

• Severe workforce shortages
• Excessive waiting times
• Eligibility barriers for specialist care
• Rural and coastal health inequalities
• Out-of-county patient placements
• Fragmented funding and services
• Limited treatment options

One person shared the devastating impact of these challenges: “I was desperate for help, but the waiting list was months long. By the time I got support, I had already reached crisis point.”

How the research was carried out

The findings come from a combination of surveys (241 responses), direct experiences shared online, by phone and in person (187 responses), and data gathered during visits to health and social care providers. Information was also collected from Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

Recommended improvements

Healthwatch Cornwall has outlined a range of recommendations to tackle the crisis without necessarily requiring additional funding:

• Workforce support: Introduce group-based mental health support in GP surgeries, provide mental health training for reception staff, and offer flexible working to retain staff.
• Tackling waiting times: Develop structured ‘while-you-wait’ systems including digital resources, peer support groups and check-ins.
• Improving rural access: Use libraries and community centres for drop-in sessions, expand online and telephone support, and offer subsidised travel to appointments.
• Boosting crisis support: Train non-clinical staff in de-escalation, expand helplines and create safe community spaces.
• Broader treatment options: Encourage social prescribing, integrate peer-led groups and improve trauma-informed care training.
• Simplified access: Standardise referral forms, create an online directory and ensure clear care plans for discharged patients.
• More inclusive care: Provide alternatives to phone-based services, strengthen school support and improve workplace mental health awareness.
• Reducing out-of-county placements: Expand community crisis support, partner with care homes for local respite beds, and improve discharge planning.

“Change is needed now”

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.”

For more about Healthwatch Cornwall and their work visit Healthwatch Cornwall.

You can also read the full report here