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A vote
was taken (unanimous) on a motion by Councillor James Hobro, which
was carried, as follows:
 
“Council notes:
a) The
findings of the Cambridgeshire County Council’s Quality of
Life Survey 2025, which revealed:

28% of
residents reported struggling with their mental health in the past
year, rising to 44% among 18–24-year-olds - the most affected
age group.
30% of
residents agreed with the statement “I often feel
lonely,” including 49% of 18–24-year-olds.
Women,
disabled people, those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, and
renters were disproportionately affected by poor mental health and
loneliness.

 
b) The
Liberal Democrat proposals to improve mental health provision
across the UK, including:

Establishing community mental health hubs for young people to
provide early intervention and support;
Introducing a dedicated mental health practitioner in every
school and a national wellbeing survey in secondary
schools;
Offering “mental health MOT” check-ups at key life
stages;
Ending
out-of-area placements, ensuring people are treated close to
home;
Expanding young people’s mental health services up to age
25.

 
c) The
valuable local work of initiatives such as “How Are You South
Cambs” (H.A.Y. South Cambs) and “Keep Your Head”, which help
signpost mental health and wellbeing resources, as well as the
specialist support provided for Council Tenants by officers within
the Council’s Housing Service.
 
d) The
establishment of the Mentally Healthier Councils Network by the
Centre for Mental Health, supporting councils in sharing best
practice and resources to improve mental health locally.
 
Council
believes that promoting mental health and wellbeing is a shared
responsibility across all levels of government, and that
coordinated action is essential to support residents
effectively.
 
Council
resolves:
a) To
request that Cabinet explore further actions the Council can take
to promote mental wellbeing among residents and within our own
organisation. These may include:

Taking
best practice from the Centre for Mental Health and the Mentally
Healthier Councils Network, or other relevant
organisations;
Exploring training for councillors and frontline staff on
signposting support and recognising mental health
concerns;
Encouraging Town and Parish Councils to support district- and
county-wide mental health and wellbeing initiatives.

 
b) To
request that the Leader write to the Secretary of State for Health
and Social Care, urging the adoption of the proposals outlined
above, so that everyone, especially children and young people, can
access the mental health support they need.”