mental health – Saddleworth Liberal Democrats

18Mar 2022 by Sam Al-Hamdani

‘Postcode lottery’ on children’s mental health revealed

Children in Oldham get £63.90 spent on them, compared to £165.20 in the Isle of Wight Shadow Health and Social Care Cabinet Member Louie Hamblett has condemned the postcode lottery which means that children in Oldham get almost two thirds less spent on their mental health than children on the Isle of Wight. The Liberal Democrats are putting a Private Members’ Bill forward to Parliament today to force the Government to report strict figures on waiting times for assessment, treatment and referrals, as well as a breakdown of where money is being spent on children’s mental health. Liberal Democrat Councillor Hamblett said: “Any parent wants to ensure that their children get the best treatment, and a fair turn. That children in Oldham get so much less spent on their mental…

13Sep 2021 by Sam Al-Hamdani

Working class must be part of equality strategy

Borough news

Oldham’s Equality Strategy needs to do more to address the problems faced by working class people across the borough, according to the Oldham’s Liberal Democrats. The report, which was presented to full council at its September meeting [09/09/21], was broadly welcomed by the group for the many positive approaches it has taken, but some key changes were requested by the opposition group going forward – socioeconomic inequality, mental health issues, and the digital divide among them. Local Liberal Democrat Councillor Sam Al-Hamdani said: “Despite the delays, this report does an excellent job of addressing many problems that people in our borough face. “My primary concern is that it almost completely misses out socioeconomic inequalities. If you are working class, you are likely to have faced so many difficulties, whether that…

11Jun 2021 by Sam Al-Hamdani

Oldham Youth Service Summits

Borough news

Shaw and Crompton Liberal Democrat councillors have been informed that some exciting provision from Oldham Youth Service is happening in three of our local secondary schools. Shaw Councillor, Howard Sykes said “Crompton House School, The Oldham Academy North and Royton & Crompton School have been offered some tailored youth work for pupils at the schools. Part of this will see a Youth Violence Summit held on 23 June 2021 – guest speakers will be talking pupils from across the borough as well.” The schools were asked how they would like the youth service to work with their young people and this has resulted in different types of engagement. “Royton & Crompton School are having an afterschool drama and dance provision, focusing on the school’s values and creating a drama piece to…

10Mar 2021 by Sam Al-Hamdani

MP calls on Govt to address maternal mental health

Parliamentary news

Sarah Olney, Liberal Democrat MP for Richmond Park, has today held a Westminster Hall debate on the mental health of mothers during the perinatal period, with a specific focus on the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated systemic problems for vulnerable women. She commented: “The sheer volume of responses we’ve had in just a matter of days signals just how significant an issue this is, and how critical it is we act quickly. “Even before the pandemic took hold of public resources, this was a service that was chronically underfunded and understaffed. It’s clear we need better mental health support for all ages and at all stages. We also need better training throughout our health service to identify and support those who are struggling. This must be a…

24Feb 2021 by Sam Al-Hamdani

Summer catch-up schools: Government must do more for young people’s wellbeing

Parliamentary news

Responding to the announcement of the Government's plans for summer catch-up schools, Daisy Cooper MP, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Education said: “The Liberal Democrats have been calling on the Government to set out ambitious plans to support young people with both educational and emotional recovery as schools reopen. "Without this we could see a lost generation, who will feel the impact of the disruption caused by the pandemic, for years to come. "Government must remember that it isn't just lessons young people have missed out on through school closures. They have missed time playing and socialising with their friends, spending months cut off from in-person contact with their peers. "There are widespread reports of the devastating impact this has had on young people's mental and emotional wellbeing. Parents will want…

18Feb 2021 by Sam Al-Hamdani

UCAS response: Govt must step up on student mental health

Parliamentary news

Responding to today's UCAS figures*, finding student application numbers rising, particularly in health courses, Liberal Democrat Education Spokesperson, Daisy Cooper MP, said: “Record numbers applying for health courses is a real sign of hope for Britain. Not only have younger people seen the extraordinary commitment of front-line workers during this pandemic, but they now want to follow in their footsteps. "But it’s clear that the continuing pandemic and its after-effects are going to unleash a tsunami of mental ill health for those who have served on the NHS and care front-line. It's vital that the government steps up to support new health students as they enter one of the most challenging times in the history” *Please find UCAS figures here:https://www.ucas.com/corporate/news-and-key-documents/news/nursing-applications-soar-ucas-publishes-latest-undergraduate-applicant-analysis

27Jan 2021 by Sam Al-Hamdani

Urgent help needed for children facing mental health ‘crisis’

Parliamentary news

Only 1 in 4 children who needed mental health support accessed services last year, shocking figures from the Children’s Commissioners report have revealed. MP for Twickenham Munira Wilson, the Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Health and Social Care, said: “The report's findings confirm the sad reality we have known all along: the mental health of children and young people has for too long been overlooked by this Conservative Government. Week after week, I am contacted by parents whose children are struggling with their mental health and unable to access services. "With 1 in 6 children now suffering from a mental health condition, it is clear that this pandemic is not only a physical one but also a mental health crisis too. “Without urgent Government action to put young people at the…

15Oct 2020 by Sam Al-Hamdani

Liberal Democrats backing calls for care home window visits

Borough news

With rumours swirling around whether Greater Manchester will move into Tier 3 of the new warning systems, Liberal Democrat Councillor Sam Al-Hamdani is backing calls for local and national Government to ensure that “window visits” and end-of-life visiting rules are revised to ensure that families get to ensure the care and emotional support that they need. Window visits are conducted on care homes where families are on the grounds, and their relatives stay indoors – they can see each other and hold a real conversation, but the windows reduce the risk of passing on infections. Councillor Al-Hamdani said: “I have spoken to local residents who have not been able to offer grandparents the support and love that they need. I absolutely agree with the need to control this virus, but we…

29Sep 2020 by Sam Al-Hamdani

Lib Dems back proposals for “world class” mental health support for health and care staff

Parliamentary news

The Liberal Democrat Autumn Conference has backed new plans to provide “world class” mental support for health and care staff, including calls for a 24/7 mental health support hotline for staff. The motion was agreed as the latest figures from the NHS show that anxiety, stress, depression and other psychiatric illnesses accounted for over half a million days’ absence in May 2020. This is an increase of 37% on the same month last year, according to analysis by the Liberal Democrats. The Party has now adopted policies that would see mental health support services strengthened for “under pressure and overstretched” health and care staff, including ancillary workers like porters and cleaners. Specific measures include: That a mental health support phone hotline is made available 24/7 for health and care staff. Scrapping HR practices that encourage presenteeism and can deter staff…

25Sep 2020 by Sam Al-Hamdani

Ed Davey opens Lib Dem conference

Parliamentary news

Speaking on the opening of the Liberal Democrats' first digital conference today, Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey has warned the coronavirus crisis is taking an "enormous toll on people’s lives and livelihoods" and urged his Party to listen, challenge Boris Johnson's Conservatives and fight for what people really need. He said: “The coronavirus crisis is taking an enormous toll on people’s lives and livelihoods. People are worried about their loved ones and millions of families are facing financial hardship. "To represent communities across the country – Liberal Democrats need to listen. We need to be a Party of aspiration, relevance and compassion that understands how we can deliver more of what small business owners, nurses, teachers, parents, carers and communities really need. "That is why, this weekend, we…