Call to improve mental health support for young people
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More needs to be done to ensure that young people can access mental health support at the earliest opportunity, a North East MSP has said.
Tom Mason spoke at Holyrood following a public petitions committee inquiry into provision for young people in Scotland.
The inquiry began following a petition by Annette McKenzie after the tragic death of her daughter, Britney, from an overdose of prescription medication.
It has found that young people and their families are often unaware of the availability of initial support services.
And it warned the use of secondary school counsellors should only be regarded as part of a larger package of measures.
Committee member Mr Mason said the latest data showed a significant drop in young people starting treatment, and almost 40 per cent not being seen within the Scottish government’s 18-week target.
Mr Mason said the challenge predated the coronavirus pandemic and added: “The committee’s work has raised a number of issues. In particular, it has identified challenges in improving early intervention and prevention.
“That is the key, and the recommendations that minimum levels of service provision in local areas should be set out, and that clear pathways to support for young people should be published will be vital in ensuring that the available support is at a high enough level to treat all those who need such support…
“The committee also identified issues with the provision of school counsellors, and questioned whether the current level was sufficient for the performance that is needed.
“School counsellors are a vital part of any mental health strategy for children, as they can be the first to witness potential problems; they can do so long before a young person might discuss issues with a doctor or seek referral for treatment…
“It is my hope that the committee’s report and the recommendations that it contains will help the Government to improve the quality of care for young people, so that if someone is struggling with their mental health, support is available to them, regardless of where they live or how old they are. "
The committee has made recommendations for the Scottish Government, COSLA, integration authorities and Education Scotland.
These include that authorities set out clear pathways to support for young people seeking help by the end of 2020.
There should be local "inventories" of mental health services in each area so it is clear to professionals what support is available in each area. This work should be completed no later than by the end of 2020.
Work is undertaken to identify how to support parents and carers in accessing information about their children’s mental health, as well as signposting them to the right services
The provision of school counsellors is reviewed to ensure they are delivering their services most effectively; and that Personal and Social Education (PSE) becomes more relevant and empowering for young people.
The counsellor review should be reported to Parliament by early 2022, with the Government review of PSE due to be implemented in March 2021.
