Alison Johnstone MSP, Health & Children spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, has responded to figures showing four times as many children under 13 were prescribed antidepressants last year as just seven years ago. The figures, obtained by BBC Scotland, show that last year 252 children aged 12 and under were given antidepressants while in 2009/10 it was 57. Continue reading More children on antidepressants: Greens comment
Scottish NHS Boards commit nearly £8 billion to tackle mental health services over decade
Latest figures have revealed that NHS Lothian spending on mental health services has totalled over £1 billion since 2007. Local MSP Ben Macpherson says the figures show the SNP’s commitment to supporting those with mental health issues since the party came to power a decade ago. Continue reading NHS Lothian mental health spending tops £1 billion since 2007
Further reduction in waiting times
The number of children and young people seen by mental health services (CAMHS) within the target time has increased for the third consecutive quarter.
Figures published by ISD Scotland this week show that 83.6% of people were seen within 18 weeks during the quarter ending 31 March 2017, up from 82.5% in the previous quarter.
CAMHS workforce has increased by 65% under this Government, with the the number of CAMHS psychologists having more than doubled.
Maureen Watt, Minister for Mental Health, said: “This continued reduction in CAMHS waiting times is encouraging, with 10 Boards achieving the target this quarter – up from seven at the end of 2016. However I’m clear that we must continue to reduce waiting times and I will not be satisfied until our target is met sustainably.
“We will continue to work with Boards to make sure that happens right across Scotland and the Mental Health Access Improvement Support Team, which has delivered significant improvements in NHS Forth valley, are working in partnership with Boards to deliver sustained improvements.
“Our recently published ten-year strategy for mental health sets out a range of measures that focus on prevention and early intervention to meet the mental health needs of children and young people, backed by £150 million of funding.
“We will also soon commission reviews into school counselling and rejected child and adolescent mental health service referrals, as a foundation for making further improvements.”
Continue reading Minister welcomes mental health target improvements
Redhall Walled Garden are holding their annual community Open day, called Razzmatazz, on Saturday 8th July (12-5pm). Entry by Donation. Continue reading Redhall Summer Razzmatazz
Members of the public are being urged to “spread a little kindness” to help mark Mental Health Awareness Week. The national week runs from 8 to 14 May but it also coincides with the year-long 52 Weeks of Kindness campaign run by Breathing Space, Scotland’s mental health helpline. Continue reading Spread a little kindness to support Mental Health Awareness Week
Redhall Walled Garden is holding an Open Day on Saturday 20th May from 12 – 4pm
The Mental Health Information Station (MHIS) in Palmerston Place played host to Mental Health Minister Maureen Watt recently. Lead Occupational Therapist, Community Mental Health Services Jane Sutherland guided the Minister round the service, where she met with some of the project’s partners and Ms Watt went on to speak with a number of people who have benefited from using the service. Continue reading Minister visits Mental Health Information Station
Scots are being reminded to take a little breathing space and look after their mental health this Easter. Continue reading Take a little Breathing Space this Easter
Barnardo’s Scotland has welcomed a commitment by First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, to carry out a review of the referral and assessment process for children and young people to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. Continue reading Charity welcomes youth mental health commitment
Figures produced by the Scottish Children’s Services Coalition (SCSC) have highlighted dramatic increases in the reasons pupils are being identified with additional support needs (ASN) in Scotland’s schools. Continue reading Urgent action needed in schools to address childrens’ mental health
