Luke Hall, Member of Parliament for Thornbury and Yate, recently met with the parents of Jigsaw Thornbury, to discuss the current mental health provision for young people in South Gloucestershire.
Jigsaw Thornbury is a local charity which focuses on support and wellbeing for vulnerable young members of our community. Luke joined the Mayor of Thornbury and Jigsaw parents to share their understanding of this important issue and to agree how the community can come together as one to ensure local children and families have the support and services they need.
Particular focus in the meeting was dedicated to Government proposals which are currently passing through Parliament. Seeking to establish a collaborative approach, The Government’s Green Paper: Transforming Children and Young People’s Health Provision, recognises the need for greater intervention and prevention, improved access to the NHS, and more internal support for schools and colleges.
Speaking after the meeting, Luke Hall said, “I am very grateful for Jigsaw parents taking the time to meet with me, and was moved by the experiences and stories which the group shared.”
The local MP continued, “I am pleased that the Government is investing more than ever before in mental services, particularly for young people in society. We know that tackling mental health conditions as early as possible can make a huge difference, and this is why it is so important we have that link between NHS services and local schools to help and protect children as quickly as possible.”
At the forefront of the proposals is an ambition to introduce Mental Support Teams to operate within schools, supported and working in conjunction with existing NHS services and staff. Three key elements have been identified as part of the Government’s reforms, which are as follows:
1) The introduction of a Designated Senior Lead for Mental Health in every school and college
2) Funding for Mental Health Support Teams, which will see a partnership between mental health specialists, and local schools and groups.
3) An expansion of NHS services, reducing the waiting times for young people and children
These three pillars will feature heavily in the Government’s future spending reviews and together form a new approach which is due to come into action, in some parts of the country, for first time next year.
For more information about the Government Green Paper, please visit www.gov.uk/government/publications. Any questions about the proposals can be sent to [email protected].