Context
The long-term impact of the covid-19 pandemic on young people, including isolation leading to missed opportunities and unknown impacts on mental health. Child and adolescent mental health services referrals in Fife and Scotland have increased significantly despite a record Budget settlement from the UK Government.
Question
What steps he is taking to improve mental health services for children given the long-term impact of the covid-19 pandemic on young people, with isolation leading to missed opportunities, lost life experiences and still unknown impacts on mental health. Child and adolescent mental health services referrals in Fife and across Scotland have skyrocketed, yet despite a record Budget settlement from the UK Government, the SNP Scottish Government told NHS Fife not even to bother asking for more funding to tackle this massive problem. Will he join me in urging the Scottish Government to reverse course and ensure that young people have the support they deserve and need?
Answer from The Minister for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth)
My hon. Friend makes an excellent point on behalf of young people. It is disappointing that the Scottish Government do not seem to be allocating the funding as they could. He raises a powerful case, and I know that he will work hard with the Government in Edinburgh to make the situation better for his constituents.
Not addressed: Specific commitment or action by the UK government to address the issue directly
How: Disappointing, Work Hard
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