TOMORROW is World Mental Health Day – this year’s theme is ‘lived experiences heard: real voices, real change’.
The theme recognises that people who have lived with mental health problems are experts in their own right. It’s about making sure their voices are part of the conversation, and that they help shape the support in their communities.
Mental health can affect anyone. In England, one in five adults report a common mental health problem like anxiety or depression in any given week.
We feel this in Barnsley, too. A recent NHS South Yorkshire report found that people over 65 here have some of the highest rates of common mental health problems, and Barnsley has the highest male suicide rate in South Yorkshire.
Hospital admissions for self-harm are around double the England average, yet men are less likely to get talking therapy.
That’s why local spaces where people can talk openly, without judgement, matter so much, helping to break down the stigma that stops people reaching out.
Barnsley is full of people turning their experience into support for others, and I’ve seen this firsthand.
Earlier this year, I visited Men’s Minds Matter at the Community Shop in Hoyland, where local men can speak openly about whatever they’re going through. A Women’s Minds Matter group has started there too.
Other groups available in Barnsley include Andy’s Man Club, which runs free support groups for men and Rotherham and Barnsley Mind, which runs support groups and counselling.
I also met young people at Chilypep, a Barnsley youth group that offers mental health support. They talked to me about loneliness, social isolation and growing up online.
What makes these groups special is that they’re run by people who understand. Meeting others who have been there can ease loneliness, build confidence and help people feel heard. Support isn’t always a clinical appointment.
Often, it’s a conversation with someone who gets it.
As Minister for Sport, I see how sport does this. Walking football at Wombwell Main, Parkrun and many of our sports clubs across Barnsley all give people a place to belong.
This Labour government wants to build on that by bringing care closer to home. We’re investing £343m in mental health, including a new mental health emergency department at Barnsley Hospital.
There will also be 100 new community mental health centres across the country, offering walk-in help with no referral needed. This builds on 8,500 extra mental health workers and the Mental Health Act 2025, which I was proud to support.
This World Mental Health Day, let’s value each other’s experiences. Check in with a friend, neighbour or family member, share your story if you feel comfortable, and find out what support is available locally.
If you’re struggling, please don’t suffer in silence. Talk to someone you trust. You can contact the Samaritans 24/7 on 116 123, or Mind on 0300 123 3393.