Student mental health has been forgotten under this SNP
government, Scottish Labour has warned.
The SNP has still failed to deliver its long-awaited Student
Mental Health Action Plan, despite a “mental health crisis”
unfolding in universities.
The government originally promised to publish the plan in Spring
2023, but more than half a year on it is yet to materialise.
Huge questions remain over the provision of counsellors in
universities after the Scottish Government withdrew direct
funding for the roles.
Student mental health is a major issue in Scotland, with research
by the Mental Health Foundation revealing that nearly
three-quarters of university students and 64 per cent of college
students reported low mental health.
Commenting, Scottish Labour Mental Health spokesperson
said “Far too many
students are struggling with poor mental health, but the SNP has
forgotten them.
“The SNP’s failure to deliver this plan on the timeline they
promised seriously calls into question their ability to deliver
any competent policies at all.
“We have been hearing for months now that this is due to be
published but the SNP keep kicking the can down the road.
“The mental health crisis facing our universities is too serious
to be ignored. The SNP must stop paying lip service to this
serious issue and start taking real action to give students the
support and care that they need.”
ENDS
Notes
“The Scottish Government is currently working with partners to
produce a Student Mental Health plan to be delivered in Spring
2023.”
https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/questions-and-answers/question?ref=S6W-15048
Spring 2023 – “we will update as soon as we can” - https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report/search-what-was-said-in-parliament/meeting-of-parliament-10-05-2023?meeting=15295&iob=130425
July 2023 – we will “publish actions to support students” after
the publishing of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy
accompanying Delivery Plan and Workforce Action Plan,
which were published in November - https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/questions-and-answers/question?ref=S6W-19821
https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/questions-and-answers/question?ref=S6W-19858
December 2023 – “We will consult with members of the student
mental health and wellbeing working group on the student mental
health plan very shortly.”
https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report/search-what-was-said-in-parliament/meeting-of-parliament-07-12-2023?meeting=15593&iob=133079#orscontributions_M16198E319P808C2541591
Mental Health Foundation research: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/research/thriving-learners
