McArthur marks World Mental Health Day 2022

Orkney's MSP, Liam McArthur has marked World Mental Health Day 2022 by calling on the government to scale-up their efforts to support local services.

Last month, Mr McArthur raised the concerns of local GPs about the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on people's mental wellbeing. Speaking in Parliament, Orkney's MSP highlighted that financial hardship, combined with the physical impact of living in colder, damper homes, risked worsening mental health and NHS workloads.

A new report published last month by Public Health Scotland found suicide was the leading cause of death among young people, aged 5 to 24, in Scotland from 2011 to 2020. Recent statistics also show the 18-week mental health waiting time target is being missed for more than 30% of children and almost 20% of adults.

Scottish Liberal Democrats have been leading calls for the training of more mental health specialists at every stage of education, as well as in GP surgeries and A&E departments.

Mr McArthur said:

"World Mental Health Day provides an opportunity to reinforce the importance of protecting our mental health and wellbeing.

"This requires us to be open about the difficulties we face and willing to reach out to others who might be struggling. Poor mental health can affect anyone at any time, but nobody should have to face it alone.

"It is vital, though, that those who require help are able to access it whenever and wherever it is needed. At a time when local GPs are warning about the mental and physical health impacts arising from the cost-of-living crisis, on the back of the impact of Covid, the challenges we face are considerable.

"So I want to pay tribute to the many public and third sector organisations here in Orkney for the invaluable support they provide day in, day out. They need to be properly resourced to meet the growing need, but deserve enormous credit for the work they do supporting those in need within our community."