By George Keep our kids’ minds healthy
Last week was a busy one both in and out of parliament.
Our first full week in February was dedicated to young people and all we can do to support them, and honestly, I can’t think of a better way to spend my time as an MSP.
The first ever Children’s Mental Health Week was launched in 2015 to shine a spotlight on the importance of children and young people’s mental health.
Now in its fifth year, Children’s Mental Health Week 2019 aimed to encourage more people than ever to get involved and spread the word.
To kick off the week, I had the pleasure of meeting my friend and colleague Clare Haughey MSP, Minister for Mental Health, at Gleniffer High School on Monday.
As the theme of Children’s Mental Health Week 2019 was Healthy: Inside and Out, we met with staff and pupils to discuss how they are raising awareness and supporting each other. Frequently, when we think about healthy living, we tend to focus on looking after our bodies – our physical well-being – through food, being active and getting enough sleep. However, in order to be healthy overall, it is very important that we look after our minds – our mental well-being – too.
I don’t know about you, but I think we can all agree that while our high school years can be some of the best, they are also a time of confusion, upheaval and change – something that if not acknowledged and dealt with can have a negative impact upon our young people.
Through working in schools, it has been discovered that at least one child in every classroom has a diagnosable mental health condition and many more struggle with challenges from bullying to bereavement.
It was therefore very encouraging to see all that is being done in one of our local high schools to support our children and make sure every young voice within the school walls feels supported and safe.
After a great visit in the constituency, I returned to Edinburgh and hosted a parliamentary reception with Stand Alone charity.
This is a wonderful organisation that supports people of all ages who have become estranged or disowned from their family.
In light of raising awareness of mental health issues and concerns among young people, this event invited MSPs and guests to hear the experiences of young Scots in further or higher education who are estranged from their family.
It was inspiring to hear from students and speakers about their experiences and the barriers they face in accessing and succeeding in higher education.
Many institutions across Scotland – universities and organisations like Stand Alone – are already implementing procedures to support these students but it is important that we as parliamentarians step up and do all we can to make education accessible for all – regardless of postcode, background or family situation.
I wrote last week that I was delighted to support the Budget 2019/20 and after raising awareness for Children’s Mental Health Week last week, I am even more proud of the Scottish Government’s commitments to both young people and mental health.
With over £1.1bn now allocated for investment in mental health services, funds earmarked specifically for services for young people and more support in schools, I am hopeful that we can continue to tackle mental health as early as possible and make sure no child in Scotland gets left behind.