Cash boost for flood victims' mental health scheme

People who have experienced flooding are six times more likely to suffer from depression, according to research

A project to improve the mental health of those at high risk of flooding in West Yorkshire has been given a cash boost, according to a council.

Research shows people whose homes have been flooded are six times more likely to have post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety.

The £36,000 grant will be used for the initial stages of the Flood Risk and Mental Wellbeing Project led by Kirklees Council.

A spokesperson said: “Flooding is unpredictable and we do not know when the next flood will occur so we need to start building resilience and preparedness in these communities.”

The council also said residents who had experienced flood water in their homes suffered "significant mental health impacts", which then affected their ability to respond to and recover from future flood events.

The project will include access to mental health specialists, well-being events and giving out well-being packs with tips about how to build resilience.

Kirklees Council said it was also investing £20,000 in psychological first aid training for frontline staff who work directly within communities at high risk of flooding.

The West Yorkshire Flood Innovation Programme (WYFLIP) said the project was unique as it usually asked for money for flood defences - not for flood mental health awareness.

West Yorkshire has seen some severe flooding, with Boxing Day in 2015 being particularly bad

Councillor Munir Ahmed, from the local authority's environment and highways department, said both flooding and its associated mental health effects were expected to become worse in the future.

"It is important to build our capacity and ability to understand and manage these impacts and support those affected," he said.

Five communities in Kirklees which have experienced severe flooding in recent years have been selected to be the initial target areas, the council said.

The areas are Birkby, Liversedge, River Colne and River Holme catchments and Mirfield.

The bid for funding by the WYFLIP has been approved during the Environment Agency’s national Flood Action Week by Yorkshire Regional Flood and Coastal Committee.

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