MORE people were using NHS mental health services across Oldham in July than at the same point last summer, latest figures have revealed.

NHS Digital figures show around 6,750 people were in contact with mental health services in the NHS Oldham Clinical Commissioning Group area at the end of July.

This was an increase of 3 per cent from 6,555 at the same point last year, though it was fewer than the 6,775 at the end of June.

The majority (75 per cent) of those in contact with mental health services in Oldham at the end of July were adults – 5,035.

There were also 1,335 children using mental health services for young people, and 505 people in contact with learning disabilities and autism services in the area.

Across England, 1.44 million people were in contact with mental health services at the end of July.

Though down slightly from 1.46 million a month previously, this was a rise of 9 per cent compared to the same month a year before. It was also the highest figure for the month of July since comparable records began in 2016.

In response to the figures, Karen Maneely, associate director of mental health services in Oldham for Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, stressed the importance of residents reaching out for help as early as possible.

She said: “The pandemic has been an exceptionally challenging and worrying times for many people which has led to an increase in people accessing our services. We know some people have developed new mental health problems, whilst others may have had existing mental health issues that have got worse.

“I would stress that it is really important for people who are struggling to reach out for help as early as possible. You can speak to your GP or in some cases you can refer yourself directly for support. Our Oldham Healthy Minds service can help if you’re experiencing difficulty sleeping, low mood, depression, stress, worry or anxiety or our 24/7 mental health helpline is available to anyone in crisis.”