Residents in Staffordshire are being asked to share how their mental health is, in a survey that will influence how organisations approach the issue.

The survey, which has been launched by Staffordshire County Council and local Clinical Commissioning Groups, aims to understand how people are feeling, what has affected their mental wellbeing both negatively and positively, and what can be learnt from how people have been helping themselves and supporting others.

Data from the survey—which will be confidential—will then be used to develop a new strategy, to influence what organisations should address over the next five years.

As well as residents, the county council and CCGs will be seeking the views of professionals, other key organisations, and people currently accessing in-patient mental health care.

County Councillor Julia Jessel, Staffordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Health and Care said: "Good mental health is incredibly important, especially as around one in 4 people are affected by some kind of mental health issue at any time. The Covid-19 pandemic has also had a profound impact on some people's mental health, and it is likely to continue to do so.

"This is why we want as many people as possible to fill in this survey. The more information we have about the state of people's mental health in the county, the more we can do to ensure maintaining good mental health is at the forefront of everything we do. This is your chance to directly inform our approach to mental health in Staffordshire, so I would urge people to fill in this survey."

The survey can be found here and is open until November 12.