Students are set to benefit from more connected mental health services to prevent them falling through the gaps when they go to university. Dr Hudson has been campaigning on mental health consistently since his election.
Having been involved with leading pastoral care delivery in the education sector prior to entering Parliament, Dr Hudson welcomed the new scheme which is set to bring together university, NHS and mental health services to create regional partnerships which could include physical hubs that students can visit in-person.
The Government is investing up to £3 million over the next academic year with the initiative set to help ease the pressure on the NHS and Higher Education providers.
By making sure students have good mental health and feel supported, this will boost outcomes, helping them towards their bright futures.
Improving mental health provision is a cornerstone of Dr Hudson’s vision for Penrith and The Border. During his very first speech in Parliament he pushed for parity of esteem between mental and physical health – a view informed by his evidence-driven clinical background.
Since being elected he has spoken repeatedly in Parliament on the issue, written to ministers and even triggered an official Inquiry into Rural Mental Health as part of his Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Select Committee position.
Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border said:
“Lots of young people in Penrith and The Border travel long distances to pursue the next stage of their education so hopefully this Government action can give family members better peace of mind knowing their loved ones will be supported during the transition to university and beyond.
“Having been involved in Higher Education, unfortunately it comes as no surprise to hear that students have reported delays in accessing services when they move to university so this kind of joined up common sense approach is great news. I will keep campaigning for parity of esteem between mental and physical health for people, young and old”
The Government is increasing investment in children and young people’s mental health services faster than the overall budget for mental health to ensure they can access support as early as possible to prevent any problems deteriorating.
The long-term benefits of this will be felt widely and is part of the government’s priority work to improve public services to help young people in getting the education and skills they need to succeed, supporting them in getting good jobs and achieving their ambitions.
