Cole-Hamilton responds to £80m real terms mental health cut

Responding to a report in The Herald that the Scottish Government have made a real terms cut to mental health spend of almost £80m, with ministers now being warned that they are undermining efforts to bring down the rising suicide death rate, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP said:

“I cannot understand why this SNP-Green Government is stripping funding for lifeline support and treatment at a time of crisis for so many Scots.  

“Thousands of children and adults are waiting more than a year for mental health support, all while the number of those dying by suicide continues to rise. Their struggles have devastating consequences for families and communities alike.

“Saving lives must be a top priority, but we’re not seeing much evidence at all of a government that is focussed or serious about the task in hand.

“Scottish Liberal Democrats want a properly funded, world-beating system that will tackle our mental health emergency. As well as providing fresh funds for local and accessible mental health services, my party would roll out more counsellors in schools, GPs, A&E departments and alongside police and prison staff. We would also provide access to robust 24/7 crisis care.”