Copyright dailyrecord
Livingston MP Gregor Poynton brought together families affected by the ongoing crisis in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) waiting times. The meeting was organised in response to recent figures showing that NHS Lothian currently has the longest CAMHS waiting list in Scotland, leaving many young people and their families without timely access to vital mental health support. Mr Poynton issued an open invitation to anyone in his constituency who had been impacted by CAMHS, whether through positive or negative experiences, to share their stories and help identify the key challenges facing the system. Over recent months, MPs and MSPs across Scotland have seen a significant increase in casework from families and young people struggling to access the help they need. Held in a town hall style format, the meeting provided families not only the chance to speak directly to their MP but also to connect with others going through similar experiences. Many attendees described feeling isolated and let down by the system, but the gathering created a sense of shared purpose and solidarity among those present. Following the public session, Mr Poynton chaired a private roundtable discussion with representatives from NHS Lothian, local charities, and mental health organisations. This second stage of the event focused on understanding what support is required, both for families and for service providers, to help tackle the crisis. Mr Poynton said: “As an MP, I regularly receive casework about waiting lists and the difficulties families face, but to hear these stories first-hand was truly harrowing. “The SNP Scottish Government are failing local people terribly, and the human cost of these delays is unacceptable. Families are doing everything they can to support their children, yet they feel abandoned by a system that is supposed to help them.” One of those who spoke at the meeting was Jasmine, a young person who has had a deeply challenging experience with CAMHS. Addressing the families and representatives present, she said: “For once, it felt like someone was listening and ready to act on the lack of mental-health support across Scotland. “The failures in both youth and adult services are clear, what we need now is action, not excuses. I can only hope people take notice and there’s real change. “NHS care is declining, and going private isn’t an option for many. That shouldn’t take away our right to access proper help.” Commenting on the follow-up roundtable, Mr Poynton said: “I thought it was imperative to bring everyone together to support local families, so I was greatly disappointed that the Minister from the SNP Scottish Government declined that opportunity. “The roundtable allowed NHS Lothian and local organisations to share the reality on the ground, the challenges they face, the work they are already doing to support families, and what additional support they need from government to address this crisis effectively. “It also gave me a clearer understanding of how I can continue to advocate for residents and ensure they get the support they deserve.” Following the event, Mr Poynton confirmed that he will be writing to both the Minister for Mental Wellbeing and Social Care and the Cabinet Secretary for Health, outlining the key concerns raised by families, NHS Lothian, and support organisations. He will urge them to meet with him as a matter of urgency to discuss immediate and long-term solutions to the CAMHS waiting list crisis. “This is not a problem that can wait,” Mr Poynton added. “Every day that passes without action means another young person is left without the help they desperately need. “I will continue to fight for the families in West Lothian until we see meaningful change.” Don't miss the latest news from the West Lothian Courier. Sign up to our free newsletter here .
