Mental health for each individual is different and is affected by individual factors and experiences, social interaction, social structures and resources, in addition to cultural values. An individual’s mental health is influenced throughout the life course and events throughout life can impact each individual differently. Mental health conditions affect more than 25% of people at any time and no other health condition matches this in terms of prevalence, persistence and breadth of impact. Mental health is a public health issue and reducing the prevalence of mental health conditions is one of public health’s most major challenges. The promotion of wellbeing and prevention of mental health problems are crucial as mental health and physical health are linked.

A mental health and dementia needs assessment of the population with mental health problems in the East Riding of Yorkshire across the various life course stages was undertaken by the Public Health team at East Riding of Yorkshire Council in 2020. The life course approach has been used to focus on the factors which can influence a healthy start to life and identify the different environmental, social and economic factors that can have profound influence over mental health and wellbeing. Through a literature review and using national, regional and local data sources, this needs assessment was produced.