Funding for mental health wellbeing services in Hampshire will be slashed despite concerns over the possible knock-on effect on already saturated waiting lists. Hampshire County Council has approved a cut to funding for wellbeing centres, which support people recovering from mental illness. It includes one in Parchment Street in .
From the end of January 2025, the funding will be reduced from £1,281,777 to £625,000, and the overall contract value will be reduced from £4,944,152 to £4,287,375 annually. The cut is part of the ‘savings programme 2025′, which aims to address the county council’s forecasted budget gap of £132m in the 2025/26 financial year. The county council commissions the wellbeing services in partnership with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Frimley ICB, which plan NHS services.
There are 13 centres in Hampshire and are non-clinical settings in easy-to-access central locations. The services are operated by Hampshire Mind community interest company, which is made up of Solent Mind, Andover Mind and Havant and East Hants Mind. Sally Arscott, chief executive of Solent Mind, said that the centres are essential services that provide safe spaces for Hampshire residents to receive emotional support and attend workshops, courses, and activities “during times of need to support their mental health”.
According to Mrs Arscott, one in six people have common mental health problems such as depression and anxiety at any one time, “.