Today at First Minister’s Questions, Jackie Baillie MSP, asked the First Minister to ensure that there was adequate resources and funding to deal with the increased pressure on mental health service providers amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Jackie Baillie called on Nicola Sturgeon to ensure that extra resources were provided to Breathing Space, the free, confidential, phone service for anyone in Scotland over the age of 16 experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety in order for them to be able to offer advice to those calling with Covid-19 related anxiety and mental health issues.

Jackie Baillie, MSP for Dumbarton, said:

“Whether you have anxiety, depression, psychosis or paranoia, your conditions are highly likely to be exacerbated by the circumstances caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. It is vital during these extraordinary times that we take care of not just our physical health, but our mental health too.

“I have called on Nicola Sturgeon and her government to provide necessary funding to Breathing Space and other mental health organisations so that they can increase the vital work that they do.

“The First Minister has a duty of care to ensure that the well-being of the population is protected during this outbreak and I look forward to working with her to ensure that my constituents feel protected, supported and safe in the weeks and months ahead.”