Children with mental health issues are being let down says a Green MSP in response to figures showing three out of ten children are waiting more than 18-weeks for treatment. Alison Johnstone MSP, the Scottish Greens’ health spokesperson, says the figures should convince government ministers to “look beyond” the NHS and include mental health awareness in the school curriculum.
Johnstone, a Green MSP for Lothian, said: “The fact that so many young people in Scotland have to struggle through mental health problems with little support or care, shows we’re letting them down. What’s worse is that those who have already taken the brave step by being diagnosed are not receiving the support they need on the NHS. How can we improve education outcomes when significant barriers to essential health services for our young people exist?
“Children and young people from disadvantaged families are three times more likely to develop mental health problems than those from more affluent areas, so if we are to continue to break down the stigma of mental health, we need to respond to the challenge by actually offering the kind of support that will help young people cope with pressure, stress and big life changes. That means looking beyond the NHS too and ensuring that school pupils receive support and education on mental health in the classroom and that families get the financial support they need.”
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