One in ten people across the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (BSW ICB) have been diagnosed with dementia, depression or serious mental illnesses, according to a report presented to Wiltshire Council.

Approximately 3,500 people have more than one of these conditions and it is estimated that many others lack an official diagnosis or do not fit diagnostic categories.

Wiltshire Council’s children select committee received this update at its meeting on Thursday, June 6.

The latest children's select committee meeting at Trowbridge County Hall.The latest children's select committee meeting at Trowbridge County Hall. (Image: Wiltshire Council)

The report stated that 40 per cent of schools and colleges in the BSW area are covered by specialist mental health support teams.

At the end of 2023, the number of young people accessing support services was 9,847.

This is below the BSW target of 13,160 and the NHS long term plan target of 14,115.

The report also indicates that the diagnosis rate for dementia is 60.8 per cent, below the national target of 66.7 per cent and local target of 66.1 per cent.

It was distributed to the committee to present the initial findings and recommendations of the rapid scrutiny undertaken on a draft mental health strategy.

Among the priorities of this strategy will be an emphasis on prevention and personalised care.

Further investigations will be carried out and the committee is expected to receive an update in September.