Lib-Dems' call to improve understanding of local mental health

Liberal-Democrat Councillor for Saddleworth North, Garth Harkness

Liberal-Democrat Councillor for Saddleworth North, Garth Harkness, will be proposing a motion at Oldham Council on Wednesday, addressing issues surrounding young people’s mental health.

The motion will be seconded by shadow cabinet member for education and Shaw Councillor, Hazel Gloster.

Councillor Harkness has been working with MIND to improve mental health understanding in Saddleworth, along with financing mental health courses for residents in Saddleworth and young people of the Saddleworth youth committee, aimed at increasing awareness, identifying warning signs and promoting self-resilience.

Councillor Harkness said: “I have been working on mental health in my own school around mental health strategy and policy.

"The problem is huge all staff need training.

"There needs to be mental health first-aiders in schools with clear guidelines for staff and a designated mental health lead .

"Approximately 10% of five-16 year-olds have a clinically diagnosed mental health disorder.

"A further 15% of five-16 year-olds have problems that put them at risk of developing mental health problems.”

Councillor Gloster said: “We need to ensure all schools promote resilience, mindfulness and positive mental health along with skills to manage social and emotional difficulties to be taught in the curriculum.

"The government have talked about mental health, but they still don’t back it enough and kids don’t get enough help until it is way down the line.

"Early help is the key.

“Recent calls from government have called for more work to be done on supporting young people with mental health difficulties and also possibly include this in future inspection regimes.”

Councillor Harkness added: "I welcome the work done by the Health and Wellbeing board and the employment of a mental health school advisor, but I know waiting times for adults with mental health difficulties are bad enough. They are horrendous for children! 

"Schools need to be clear on where to signpost children to self-help and explore school counsellors and in-house help”