MP signs Parliamentary bill to place a mental health practitioner in every school

In Parliament this week, local MP Tim Farron signed a new bill which would give all state schools access to a qualified mental health professional.

The bill, which was introduced by the Liberal Democrat Education Spokesperson Munira Wilson MP, comes after shocking new statistics revealed the impact that poor access to mental health support is having on children’s education.

A survey of over 2,000 young people commissioned by the charity YoungMinds found that:

• 61% of those waiting for mental health support had stopped attending school, college, university, or work.

• 58% missed more than two weeks of school, 42% missed more than a month and 20% missed more than six months

• A fifth of young people wait more than six months for help.

Tim said: “Children and young people in Cumbria who are struggling with their mental health are not getting the help they need and deserve.

“I’m proud to sign this crucially important bill which would give every school access to a qualified mental health professional.

“Early intervention and support is so important to help prevent mental health issues escalating.”