As you may know, I submitted a petition to the Scottish Parliament back in June. A few days ago I received an email inviting me to speak to the Public Petitions Committee at a public meeting on October 27th.
Here is the outline of my petition:
1. Reducing the mental health waiting time target from 18 weeks to 14 weeks for adult therapies, and to 12 weeks for child and adolescent mental health services, and committing to ensuring 90% of patients begin treatment within these times;
2. Providing funding to ensure primary care staff receive additional training on supporting patients with Mental Health conditions; and
3. Providing funding for third sector organisations that deliver Community based services, such as support groups, which can be accessed by patients whilst waiting for referral appointments.
One of my biggest aims is to have a community based service in Cumbernauld that offer various services such as counselling, immediate help and drop in groups that will not only take some of the burden from but will work to compliment the services the NHS currently provide. GP's would be able to refer people to the service if they believe it will be of help to them but the community service would also be able to refer to NHS services if needed also. Ideally every community, where possible, should have such a service. It would help so many people much quicker and give more options.
It makes me sad to see so many empty offices and units in our area that could be used for such a centre yet nothing is being done.
I have 2 and a half weeks to get more research and my notes ready for the big day. I will of course let you all know how it goes.
Click here for my latest appearance in our local paper.
This post first appeared on Angela - Mother, Wife, Daughter, Sister, Anxiety S, please read the originial post: here
