The Suffolk Mental Health Needs Assessment (MHNA) 2026 provides a comprehensive overview of mental health need, inequalities, risk factors, service use and outcomes across Suffolk. The assessment brings together quantitative data, national and local evidence, service intelligence and lived experience insight to support planning, commissioning and partnership working across the system.
The MHNA considers mental health across the life course, including children and young people, working-age adults and older people, alongside the wider social determinants of mental health such as deprivation, housing, employment, trauma and social isolation. It also explores inequalities affecting specific population groups and communities.
Acknowledgement of Steering Group Contribution
This Mental Health Needs Assessment was developed with input from a multi-disciplinary steering group representing partners across the Suffolk system. We thank members for their time, expertise and constructive challenge. Their involvement has been essential in ensuring a balanced, system-wide perspective—testing assumptions, contextualising data, and reducing the risk of any single organisational bias. This strengthens the overall robustness of the assessment.
This page includes:
- The full Suffolk Mental Health Needs Assessment report
- The full literature review document
- The user voice and lived experience summary report
- The Suffolk and Norfolk mental health Power BI dashboard
- A summary slide deck of key findings and recommendations
Together, these resources provide an evidence base to support a more preventative, equitable and integrated approach to improving mental health and wellbeing across Suffolk.