Overview
Mental health is shaped by a complex mix of social, economic and environmental factors. This chapter explores how conditions such as housing, employment, education, income and social connectedness affect mental wellbeing across Havering. It outlines both the challenges faced by the community and the strategic responses in place to support those most at risk.
What’s covered in the chapter:
- Multiple factors contribute to mental health problems—they rarely arise from a single cause. Risk factors such as poverty and social isolation increase vulnerability, while protective factors such as access to education and strong community networks help reduce it.
- The chapter focuses on five primary building blocks of good mental health: housing, education, employment, income and social connectedness. You’ll learn how these play out locally in Havering and what strategies are being implemented to address them.
- The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted mental health and care services in Havering, leading to greater isolation and delays in treatment. These challenges have intensified existing mental health issues across the community.
- Certain groups—such as carers, individuals with substance use disorder and others with complex needs—are particularly vulnerable to developing poor mental health.
- Mental health issues have far-reaching effects, affecting not just individuals and families, but also placing a growing burden on public services and wider society.