Norfolk Clubhouse said that spending in Norfolk and Waveney on the sector was 30pc below the national average.
It found that of 40 NHS Integrated Care Boards in England, Norfolk ranked 26th in 2023/24, the most recent year for which figures are available, with its NHS-funded services receiving £199.4 million.
This is around 30pc lower than the national average of £284.6 million.
June Webb, founder of Norfolk Clubhouse (Image: Norfolk Clubhouse)
June Webb, Norfolk Clubhouse founder and psychotherapist, said: “A funding gap of this size is having a direct and damaging impact on Norfolk people.
“People are experiencing preventable harm simply because of delayed care.
“Underfunding means fewer staff, longer waiting times and less availability of key mental health support when and where it is most needed.
“This also has the knock-on effect of putting even more pressure on A&E services.”
Those waiting for professional help can access free services such as Talking Therapies, for which 2,835 referrals were made in Norfolk and Waveney in July this year alone. It is also possible to self-refer to Talking Therapies.
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Ms Webb added: “In Norfolk, we are facing a mental health challenge that many rural areas struggle with – a lack of access.
“Expanding services – alongside mobile and out-of-hours crisis teams to cover rural and coastal areas – will be essential for increasing the number of ways care can be accessed.
“Providing mental health support in schools is already starting to be pushed in places like London, so this should continue to be pushed to rural areas as well.
“More consistent support at GP practices should also be considered.”
And while Ms Webb is calling for immediate help in the county, she said there is still a lot to be done at a national level too.
According to Mind’s Big Mental Health Report 2024, the cost of mental ill health is £300 billion a year in England, with around two million people on waiting lists.