Tom Gordon MP calls for greater access to mental health services
Today, Tuesday 7th January, local MP Tom Gordon called on Health and Social Care Minister Wes Streeting to address the dire state of mental health services, both nationwide and in his constituency of Harrogate and Knaresborough.
Across the UK, over 1 million people are currently on waiting lists for mental health care, with devastating consequences. Today, Tom highlighted to the Minister how these national issues are being felt deeply in Harrogate and Knaresborough.
He shared how he has heard heartbreaking accounts from constituents who have faced months or even years of waiting for mental health care. In some cases, the delays have driven people to crisis points, forcing them to travel as far as Manchester or Newcastle to access the help they desperately need.
Tom made clear to the Minister that this is totally unacceptable and urged him to take swift action. He called for the establishment of local mental health services, so vulnerable constituents no longer have to face lengthy, stressful journeys to receive critical support.
Commenting, Tom said:
“Over the last six months I’ve heard harrowing stories from constituents who have tried and failed to access talking therapies and other mental health services but met months or even year long waiting lists. This is simply not good enough.
‘We desperately need to make sure that mental health is given parity with physical support and that no one is left to suffer in silence.
‘Waiting lists must be reduced, and local mental health services need to be in place to support people before they reach crisis.
‘Sadly, I’ve heard stories from constituents who have had to access urgent mental health care, such as an inpatient bed, in as far away as Newcastle or Manchester. Under no circumstance, should people who are at their most vulnerable, be forced to travel hours for urgent care – it’ll likely only make a bad situation worse.
‘Today I called on the government to address the lack of access to mental health service in Harrogate and Knaresborough across the country. That is why I’ve pressed the Minister today and will continue to fight for the change we need.’
ENDS