MP tackles minister on failing youth mental health services

Local MP Tim Farron has today tackled Secretary of State Jeremy Hunt over poor access to mental health services for young people in the South Lakes.

At Health Questions in Westminster Tim called for the Government to back his campaign to extend out-of-hours crisis teams that exist in the North of the county to include the South of Cumbria.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Tim said: "Specialist mental health crisis care for young people in South Cumbria is only available between the hours of 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Will he agree with me in the light of the damning CQC report into the Partnership Trust that this is not acceptable. Will he join me with me in asking the CCG in Morecambe Bay to make sure there is out of hours and weekend care for all people?"

In response, Jeremy Hunt said that he was happy to look into the issue, saying that "if we're going to have parity of esteem, people need to be able to get help in a mental health crisis just as they would when something goes wrong with their physical health".

Speaking afterwards Tim said: "Young people who need mental health crisis support in our area can only get it between 9 and 5, Monday to Friday.

"That is an absolute outrage.

"Mental health crises don't just happen during office hours, so it is important that young people can get help whenever they need it.

"The current system is badly letting down them down, and I will keep on fighting until we win the out of hours care that is so badly needed."

Tim also raised his campaign with bosses from the Partnership Trust who run mental health services at a meeting in Westminster this morning.