The local MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse, Christina McKelvie MSP, has welcomed a new strategy launched by the Scottish Government which seeks to address mental health and wellbeing issues.

The strategy is based on three pillars: Promote, Prevent, Provide.

Guided by these principles, the ‘Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy’ seeks to:

• Promote positive mental health and wellbeing
• Prevent mental health issues occurring or escalating, while tackling underlying causes
• Provide mental health wellbeing support and care

The strategy reflects views from 18 months of consultation, with a particular focus on the voices of lived experiences, and the role that inequalities can play in mental health and wellbeing support and care.

Commenting, Christina said:

“I wholeheartedly welcome the launch of this strategy. It has been clear to me that the Scottish Government understands the impact that negative mental health can have on individuals, and I am pleased that the Government recognises mental health and wellbeing as a key area worthy of policy and economic resource.

“The pillars on which this strategy rests are important; there has to be a positivity that surrounds the promotion of mental health and wellbeing support. Often, when we hear mental health and wellbeing spoken about publicly, we hear stories of people who have gone through some seriously traumatic periods in their lives.

“This is important to take note of, as talking about poor mental health is key to breaking the stigma that has been attached with such action for a long time. But, to break this stigma for good, we must promote a positive message, whilst reminding people that help is out there. The commitments outlined in this strategy does this.

“I am also pleased that the Scottish Government have outlined the need to tackle underlying factors which so often contribute to poor mental health, and this can often be exacerbated if you face other forms of societal inequalities.

“To address these inequalities will be to assist many people with their mental health. It is yet another example of a positive policy decision taken by a compassionate Government.”