A 2016 BBC report on suicides in Norfolk stated that the county experienced the 'highest number of unexpected mental health deaths' that year.

Those of us involved in this documentary believe these deaths aren’t ‘unexpected’. In fact, they are to be completely expected considering the state of waiting lists and resources for mental health in Norfolk. The NHS is a valuable resource staffed by generous and giving individuals. The lack fo funding to NHS mental health services is compromising that resource.

As of 2018, the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust is England’s worst-performing mental health trust. It was the first in England to be put in to special measures for mental health services in 2016 and it has not escaped that since.

Adults seeking mental health care across the spectrum of severity in Norfolk are faced with an underfunded and understaffed system that puts them on waiting lists for months without any other care. Leaving them to fend for themselves. While We Wait is a documentary about what happens while people are on that waiting list.

Reflective of the national crisis in mental health, this documentary hopes to raise awareness of the need to increase funding to NHS mental health services for adults. As a county with a large rural community, Norfolk is restricted by funds and geography in allowing adults to access mental health services. Myself and many individuals involved in the documentary have experienced these restrictions.

Those suffering serious mental health crises are often turned away from A&E and other crises services due to lack of services. In my own personal experience in A&E during a mental health crisis I was told by a nurse that ‘adults have the right to end their own lives if they want. We can’t accept everyone who says they are suicidal’. These comments are a reflection of the immense stress on the mental health services for adults in Norfolk, which has infected both the availability of care and even the attitudes of those who give it. This documentary will give voice to those waiting for life saving help.

NOTE: this is an estimated timeline based on the achievement of funding goals within the time period set. Timeline details are subject to change.