Scottish Government ‘Delivering for Today, Investing for Tomorrow’.
First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, outlines “a clear vision of the kind of country we want to be” as she delivered her Programme for Government during a speech to the Scottish Parliament today.
It includes details of a £250 million health investment package, with £30m of this fund dedicated to providing mental health counsellors in every secondary school, an additional 250 school nurses to offer emotional and mental health support and provide more advice for young people and their families dealing with mental health issues, as well as extra training for teachers. Ms Sturgeon also announced that plans will be developed to ensure young people with the most serious mental illnesses get fast-tracked care.
With mental health issues on the rise, particularly amongst our children and young people, this package of new measures is welcome news. Research confirms that early mental health intervention can have a powerful impact on the lives of children and young people and the benefits will continue into adulthood.
Take a look at ‘Delivering for Today, Investment for Tomorrow’ here.