Conference commends the Scottish Government for its commitment to transforming mental health in Scotland, and welcomes increased funding and clinical staffing for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services and the creation of a dedicated Minister for Mental Health.
Conference notes with concern, however, that young women in Scotland have significantly lower levels of mental wellbeing than any other age group, and that suicide remains the biggest killer of young men in Scotland. Conference acknowledges that counselling services and other ‘talking therapies’ play a vital role in supporting young people facing mental health issues.
Conference notes that the number of students in education seeking counselling has risen substantially in recent years, and that many young people in Scotland face significant waiting lists for counselling services.
Conference urges the Scottish Government to increase funding for counselling services within school, further and higher education and across our National Health Service.