NEW figures have revealed that around one in nine people across Swindon suffer from depression.

Mental health charity Mind said England is facing a “mental health pandemic” and called for a stronger Government approach to tackle the widening inequalities in care.

Analysis of NHS estimates by the House of Commons Library shows 11,5 per cent of adult GP patients across the borough had a diagnosis of depression in 2019-20.

This rate was equal to the national average.

But of the town’s 27 areas, it was highest in Freshbrook South and Toothill where 15.7 per cent were depressed.

At the other end of the scale was Highworth where 8.7 per cent of patients were depressed.

Mind said bereavement, isolation, and the economic recession mean the nation is now facing a “mental health pandemic”, and that a strategic approach from the Government is needed.

Head of policy and campaigns at the charity Vicki Nash said: “This strategy must focus specifically on communities disproportionately affected by the pandemic, including racialised communities and young people.

“It must address widening inequalities, sort out our woefully underfunded social care system, fund public health, and make sure the education system supports young people’s wellbeing.

“It’s important that no matter where you live, you are able to get the support you need when you need it.”

Brinnington, in Stockport, had the highest rate nationally, with 27%, while less than 4% were depressed in parts of Westminster.

New figures from the Office for National Statistics show one in five adults experienced depressive symptoms between January and March – more than double the year before.

Recent research from Mind found that the lack of face-to-face support caused by the pandemic has been particularly hard for those with severe mental health problems such as psychosis and schizophrenia.

The House of Commons Library data shows that 0.8% per cent of patients across Swindon were diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and other psychoses last year.

There were two areas with rates as high as 1 per cent, and five were it was 0.6 per cent.

Researchers warned that variation across the country might reflect differences in the way GPs record health conditions, as well as genuine variation in prevalence.

The Mental Health Foundation said bullying, particularly within gang culture, is one of the key triggers for being diagnosed with schizophrenia – and is often higher in poorer areas.