ABSENCE OF MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE IS A 'SCANDAL'

Tim Farron has called on the Chief Executives of the local Hospitals and Mental Health Trusts to provide child and adolescent mental health support in South Lakeland.

At present there is no provision of mental health services for children and young adults in the area. Mr Farron has called on Cumbria NHS to appoint a local mental health consultant to ensure that young people are allowed to receive effective treatment close to their homes.

Mr Farron has also given his backing to the Time to Change campaign to end mental health discrimination by signing an Early Day Motion tabled in the House of Commons

Mr Farron said, "I have dealt with many families struggling to get support for children with mental health conditions. At present there isn't a consultant available for child and adolescent mental health services locally and therefore there isn't anyone championing their needs.

"People suffering from mental health problems should be entitled to the same level of care as people suffering from physical conditions.

"As a result, I have been supporting families in desperate circumstances who cannot get essential care. If the NHS is serious about helping children and young people suffering from mental health problems then they must focus on providing better access to effective treatment.

"The current lack of provision is a scandal and I want the local NHS to put an end to it by appointing a consultant and setting up a range of services for young people and their families who are dealing with a range of conditions that are often devastating."