Place2Be responds to new Scottish Government mental health strategy

The Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) have published a new Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy for Scotland. 

Early intervention and prevention are given high priority in the strategy, taking a ‘life stages’ approach that prioritises early years and family support. 

Early intervention is key to Place2Be's own approach: providing accessible mental health support that is embedded in our schools for children aged four and up, their teachers and families. 

Sahir Permall, Place2Be's Director for Scotland said:

“We welcome the vision set out in the new Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, particularly the strong focus on early intervention and prevention.

“Nonetheless, given the urgent need for improvements in child and adolescent mental health services, we are disappointed that Ministers have still not set out any clear timescales or budget for delivery.

“We know schools are an important community hub, particularly for children and families. It is vital that the Delivery Plan sets out how we can actively strengthen early intervention through a national approach to mental health and wellbeing support for children in primary schools.

“We need a Delivery Plan that ensures all children can access safe, creative and playful spaces in schools, where they can receive the therapeutic support they need to access learning and to thrive.

“It is also vital that we develop knowledge and understanding of mental health among school staff and parents and carers because we know it takes everyone in a school community to improve children’s and young people's mental health, help them focus on their schoolwork, and live happy lives.

“The Scottish Government must now engage with expert organisations working in schools to improve the mental health of children and young people, like Place2Be, to ensure the strategy delivers for children, families and communities.”