MP launches mental health petition – bring out of hours service for young people to South Cumbria

Local MP Tim Farron has launched a petition to improve local mental health services for young people.

The petition has been running for less than a week, but has already gathered over 1,800 signatures. It calls on Morecambe Bay CCG and Cumbria Partnership NHS Trust to extend the opening hours for young people's mental health services in South Cumbria.

Currently, young people in the South Lakes can only access the specialist mental health crisis team from 9-5 on weekdays.

However, the crisis team in the North of the county is open from 9-8, with a weekend service running from 10-1.

Last week Tim raised the issue with bosses from the Partnership Trust who run mental health services in the county.

Tim said: "Everyone knows that mental health crises don't just happen between 9-5 on weekdays.

"Young people in our area are being let down - but I'm determined to change that.

"When I met with health bosses from the Trust, they acknowledged that this was a big problem and said were prepared to work with the CCG to put it right.

"I'm extremely grateful to everyone who has signed the petition so far and especially to those who have shared their devastating stories of coping with no crisis team available for their child in the evening and at weekends.

"This is such an important campaign but only by working together can we secure better mental health services for young people in our area."

To sign the petition, go to http://ldwestmorlandlonsdale.nationbuilder.com/child_mental_health_services