Mental Health and Learning Disability Services Review

A consultation was undertaken by the Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE) across Grampian in response to the system wide review of Mental Health and Learning Disability services by Grampian and the three local Integration Joint Boards (IJBs) responsible for the provision of Mental Health and Learning Disability Services across the region.

What works well

The consultation process included gathering evidence from people using services and from service providers, such as Camphill School Aberdeen (CSA).  CSA were highlighted as one of the services which works well for children and young people.

What needs to change

The Grampian System Wide Mental Health and Learning Disability Services review noted that more support was required for transitions from childrens’ services to adult services, a story which we hear all too often from parents and carers. This is why we are actively supporting the Disabled Children and Young People (Transitions)(Scotland) Bill being progressed by Johann Lamont MSP with support from Camphill Scotland and Inclusion Scotland.

The Disabled Children and Young People (Transitions)(Scotland) Bill would give a right to a Transitions Plan to every child or young person with an impairment or long term health condition. Support with transitions would then remain in place until no longer needed, or the young person’s 26th birthday.

The Bill would also require the Scottish Government to introduce a national transitions strategy to improve outcomes for children and young people with a disability in the transition to adulthood, and require the Scottish Government to appoint a Minister with special responsibility for transitions.

4 Ways You Can Support the Transitions Bill

The Transitions Bill will improve outcomes for children and young people in the transition to adulthood.  To support the Bill, we would be delighted if you would please take the following actions by 22nd January:

1. Submit a response to the Transitions Bill Consultation (see page 24 for details on how to submit your response), including examples of difficulties faced by children and young people and their families in the transition to adulthood
2. Circulate details of the consultation through your networks, including social media
3. Contact your local MSP, and any MSPs with whom you work closely, and encourage them to support the Bill. You might like to adapt our template letter
4. Email Johann Lamont MSP a public statement in support of her Proposed Disabled Children and Young People (Transitions) (Scotland) Bill

We would be very grateful if you could let us know when you write or respond to the consultation or take any other action in support of this campaign.