KINGLASSIE MSP, Jenny Gilruth, has welcomed news that the Scottish Government is allocating extra funding to develop mental health services as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.

Scottish Government Minister for Mental Health, Clare Haughey MSP, announced funding totalling £3.8 million to increase the capacity of NHS 24’s telephone and online mental health services.

This includes £2.6 million to expand the NHS 24 Mental Health Hub and Breathing Space telephone helpline and web support service and £1.2 million to provide extra capacity for Computerised Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CCBT).

Welcoming the additional funding, the Mid Fife and Glenrothes MSP said: “I am pleased to learn of this significant move by the Scottish Government to expand mental health care in Scotland.

“As our country faces the unprecedented challenges posed by COVID-19, the move to increase the capacity of NHS 24’s telephone and online mental health services will benefit many of the most vulnerable people in our society.

“The Scottish Government is committed to expanding mental health provisions during the Coronavirus outbreak, and is stressing the importance of looking after mental health during such trying times.

"A dedicated mental health page has also been added to NHS Inform, which can be accessed at nhsinform.scot.”

The Scottish Government Minister for Mental Health, Claire Haughey said: “Dedicated mental health professionals provide high quality care across Scotland – but in these trying times they are needed more than ever.

“The current situation around COVID-19, including concerns around social distancing, is an understandable cause of anxiety for many people. NHS 24 has already begun to see an increase in calls, including to Breathing Space, in recent weeks and anticipate this will continue to grow.

“It is vital that during this period of uncertainty anyone who requires support for their mental health can receive it.”