Word of the week Quire (noun)

Four sheets of paper folded to could fill a quire with incorrect form eight idioms”. leaves.

EG:

Sir, – As a coalition of leading providers of care and support to vulnerable children and young people, we echo the call by the Scottish Association for Mental Health in its manifesto for the Scottish Parliament elections for “radical action” to combat a growing mental health crisis.

We have for some time raised concerns over a potential lost generation of vulnerable children and young people, whose mental health is being impacted even further by the pandemic.

It should however be highlighted that prior to the pandemic, cases of poor mental health were at unprecedented levels and there are a growing number of vulnerable children who cannot access services.

Our children are remarkably resilient, but the frightening statistics on the mental health of our young people create a compelling case for a national crusade to address what is a mental health pandemic, underpinned by considerably greater resourcing.

Unless the government takes urgent action now to improve access to services, this young generation will be destined for a future of mental ill health, with resultant longer-term consequences.

As the Scottish Parliament deliberates the draft budget in advance of the elections, we would urge the political parties to make this a budget for mental health, massively increasing investment in support services and intervention strategies, well beyond current provision.

This mental health crisis is one we can address, but it will require a similar energy, drive and commitment to that which was demonstrated for Covid19 if we are to achieve this and prevent this generation of young people giving up on their futures – and themselves. Kenny Graham, Falkland House School;

Lynn Bell, LOVE Learning; Stephen Mcghee, Spark of Genius;

Niall Kelly, Young Foundations.

The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition.