Mental health conference

Mental health issues affecting children and young people were the focus of a Coatbridge conference.

Fulton MacGregor, the town’s MSP, organised the event at the Conforti Institute in Whifflet which included speakers from the Scottish Association for Mental Health, child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) and members of the Scottish Youth Parliament.

Participants including professionals, charity and third sector representatives and local young people then held discussion groups to share ideas about helping to combat mental health issues for the age group.

Held in the year of young people, the event saw Mr MacGregor bring together the ideas generated to pass to NHS Lanarkshire, North Lanarkshire Council and the Scottish Government.

The MSP said:“Mental health in young people is becoming a much bigger issue locally and nationally.

“I was pleased that so many professionals, third sector and young people attended this event, as it’s important that we get the people involved into the same room to discuss what issues they’re facing.

“Even more important is that young people are heard by those making decisions.

“I’ll collate and share the feedback, and look forward to future events to discuss progress.”

Organiser Conference was arranged by Fulton MacGregor MSP