Rennie vows to end ‘shame’ of mental illness treatment

LIB Dem leader Willie Rennie has pledged to end the “national shame” over the treatment of mental illness in Scotland.

He said the Lib Dems would introduce “trailblazing plans” to enshrine in law the equal treatment of mental ill health with the same seriousness as physical ill health.

“It will ensure that anyone needing support and treatment gets it when and where they need it,” he said.

Mr Rennie joined volunteers and therapy animals from Canine Concern’s “therapet” programme in Edinburgh today to discuss how their work is already helping to support people across the capital suffering from mental ill-health. During the therapet session, Mr Rennie set out the Scottish Liberal Democrats’ five-step plan to invest in mental health.

Mr Rennie’s announcement follows confirmation from Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg yesterday that boosting mental health services would be a red line for the Liberal Democrats in any coalition negotiations following the election.

“Our mental health services remain the Cinderella services of our NHS,” he said.

“Scottish Liberal Democrats will call time on this national shame. Our trailblazing plans to enshrine in law the equal treatment of mental ill health with the same seriousness as physical ill health will be a starting point.”