A MENTAL health charity that has reported the one in four Darlington residents who will experience mental health problems in any given year are not receiving the support they need.

Darlington Mind helped more than 650 children over the last year through the young people’s project, with more than 700 adults also being supported through several services.

However, the charity has warned that more needs to be done to ensure everyone can access the help they need in a crisis.

Representatives from Darlington Mind joined 50 MPs, including Darlington MP Jenny Chapman, to attend a parliamentary reception this month to discuss mental health services held in the House of Commons.

Ms Chapman heard the experiences of residents affected by poor mental health and offered her commitment to “raising the bar” of services available in the town by putting her name to a pledge board.

Gary Emerson, chief executive at Darlington Mind, said: “One in four people in Darlington will experience a mental health problem in the coming year.

“Mental health problems can affect anyone, no matter what their background.

“The Government has recognised the scale of the problem and is increasing investment in mental health services over the next five years, but after years of underfunding, this additional money can’t come soon enough.”

The Darlington MP also expressed her particular interest in the organisation’s Young People’s Self-Harm Prevention Project, funded by BBC Children In Need.

She added that waiting times for those trying to access talking therapies were of particular concern as a Darlington-specific issue.

The charity cited Darlington Borough Council cuts to voluntary sector services and personal budget awards were taking a toll on the town, as well as changes to funding criteria and reduced grant to fund services across the community.

Mr Emerson added: “There’s still a great deal of unmet need – every day we hear from people struggling to access the support they need.

“By participating in this event, we hope that MPs recognise the importance of mental health and the vital role they play in ensuring that those people living with mental health problems in Darlington get the services and support they need to recover, stay well and lead fulfilling lives.”

For more information on Darlington Mind, based at St Hilda’s House, off Borough Road, visit darlingtonmind.com or call 01325-283169.