Positive step - but our council needs to do much more
Fitness project is campaign victory but grieving relatives want extra help
A council scheme aimed at tackling teenage mental health issues through exercise has been described as a step in the right direction.
But Marianne Mearns, who lost her brother Stephen to suicide in May, believes the local authority could push harder to help ease the suffering of young people in the region.
Last week the Wishaw Press revealed that North Lanarkshire Leisure was extending its Get Active programme to teenagers experiencing mental health issues.
This means that, in effect, GPs can target those young people not currently active and give them access to a range of activities appropriate to their age.
And for the first time, mental health will be included as part of the criteria for referral.
But for Marianne, still reeling from the tragic death of her brother, the proposals don’t go far enough.
She said: “I’m pleased that at last something is getting done and that changes are being made thanks to the campaign the Wishaw Press has been running.
“Not every child is into fitness and exercise but it is good to get out there and socialise.
“It’s good that they (NL Leisure) have decided to make the change but I just don’t think it’s enough.”
On referral from their GP, Get Active teens will get eight free weeks of NLL membership and three additional months at the reduced rate of £10 per month (normally £17).
However, Marianne believes the main problem will be getting teenagers who may be suffering in silence to attend their GPs in the first place.
She added: “It puts all the pressure back on GPs and it can take two or three weeks to get an appointment there.
“A teenager who is suffering might not feel comfortable enough in taking that step to actually seek help.
“I would like to have seen something announced across the board.
“This is a serious issue and we have to tackle it. It’s not something insignificant. “This is kids’ lives at risk.” The programme will include swim and gym for ages 1216 (gym induction and individual programme included).
There will be access prior to 6pm on weekdays (after 6pm if accompanied by an adult) and all weekend for those aged 12 to 14.
Those aged 14 to 16 will also be able make use of the fixed weight resistance machines as well as unlimited access to non-weight bearing group classes if accompanied by an adult.
Emma Walker, managing director of North Lanarkshire Leisure, said: “We absolutely agree with the Wishaw Press about the benefits to young people’s mental health of exercise and access.
“That’s why we’ve decided to extend our Active Health programmes to teens.”