Bearsden Families Forced to Travel for Mental Health Care as Adam Harley Demands Action

Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate for Strathkelvin and Bearsden, Adam Harley, has written to the Scottish Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing, Tom Arthur MSP, calling for local mental health services to be expanded after being contacted by a local parent struggling to secure mental health and addiction support for their son.

The parent told Harley that their adult son, who is living with mental health issues and alcohol dependency, has been required to travel to Kirkintilloch up to three times a week to access support - despite living in Bearsden and relying on benefits.

Adam Harley said:

“Expecting someone to travel across East Dunbartonshire several times a week just to get help is not realistic - and it puts recovery at risk.

“I listened to a local family who were desperate for support, and I’ve taken action by demanding answers from the Scottish Government on why Bearsden and Milngavie are being left without accessible, community-based mental health and addiction services.

“The SNP pledged to spend 10% of the NHS budget on mental health but they haven't delivered and people are still struggling to access services.

“Mental health is a priority for the Scottish Liberal Democrats. It should be local, practical, and not dependent on how far someone can afford to travel. 

Only the Liberal Democrats can beat the SNP in Strathkelvin and Bearsden. If you want a hardworking local MSP who will stand up for fair access to mental health support then vote Lib Dem on 7th May"