Citizens Advice has released a report, revealing that the number of people affected by mental health problems in the South West has increased.

The new report has found non-health related issues, such as debt or housing, are taking up more time during mental health appointments with the number people who use the service for mental health problems reaching over 10,000.

The service conducted an online survey of 244 mental health practitioners from Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services earlier this year.

The report also detailed that, on average, people who reported mental health problems in the region needed advice with 5 different issues.

Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire runs advice sessions at Kennedy Way Surgery in Yate, next to the shopping centre.

The service allows health professionals to focus on treatment, and help people tackle practical problems which can cause or contribute to their poor mental health.

Chantal Watts General Manager of Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire, said: "Practical problems, like debt, can often be more difficult to manage if you also have mental health problems.

"This new research shows it’s too often mental health professionals who are spending appointment time helping patients with wider problems. We are here to provide practical support for people with mental health problems in our community.”

The report also detailed that 8 in 10 practitioners surveyed by the charity had less time to deliver clinical care after being asked to assist with tasks. These tasks include writing up debt management plans and contacting public service bodies.