Massive win as health bosses agree to provide out-of-hours youth mental health services for South Cumbria

Health bosses in South Cumbria have today agreed to provide out-of-hours mental health services for young people, following a campaign by local MP Tim Farron.

Currently in the north of the county the crisis team is available from 9-8, with a weekend service running from 10-1.

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

Over the past few weeks Tim has raised the issue with the Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt in Parliament. He also handed over a 2,500-strong petition to Morecambe Bay CCG calling for an out-of-hours service to be extended to those living in South Cumbria.

Today it's been announced that the funding has been secured to roll out the service, and recruitment is already underway.

Tim said: "I want to say a big thank you to the thousands of people who have backed this campaign - thanks to your support, you've made a massive difference to young people's lives in our area.

"But this is only the tip of the iceberg - there is still so much more that needs to be done to improve mental health provision and I will keep on fighting for the most vulnerable in our society."