Funding Approved for West Yorkshire Flood Mental Health Initiative

A project designed to improve the mental health of individuals in West Yorkshire who face a high risk of flooding has secured additional funding, as confirmed by a council. Research indicates that people whose homes have been affected by flooding are six times more likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety. The £36,000 grant will support the initial phases of the Flood Risk and Mental Wellbeing Project, which is being led by Kirklees Council. A spokesperson for the council stated: “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 noted that residents who have experienced flood water in their homes have suffered “significant mental health impacts,” which subsequently hindered their capacity to respond to and recover from future flood incidents. The project’s activities will include offering access to mental health specialists, organizing well-being events, and distributing well-being packs that provide guidance on building resilience. Kirklees Council further reported an investment of £20,000 into psychological first aid training for frontline staff who work directly with communities highly susceptible to flooding. The West Yorkshire Flood Innovation Programme (WYFLIP) described the project as unique, explaining that it typically seeks funding for flood defences rather than for initiatives focused on flood mental health awareness. Councillor Munir Ahmed, from the local authority’s environment and highways department, commented that both flooding and its associated mental health effects are expected to worsen in the future. He emphasized: “It is important to build our capacity and ability to understand and manage these impacts and support those affected.” Five communities in Kirklees that have experienced severe flooding in recent years have been selected as the initial target areas, the council confirmed. These areas are Birkby, Liversedge, the River Colne and River Holme catchments, and Mirfield. The bid for funding, submitted by WYFLIP, was approved by the Yorkshire Regional Flood and Coastal Committee during the Environment Agency’s national Flood Action Week.