Chamber and committees

We have invested significantly in additional mental health and wellbeing support for since the beginning of the pandemic, including £11.25 million of dedicated funding for local authorities to address the wellbeing impacts of the pandemic on children and young people.

We have also allocated £15 million this year to fund local authorities to deliver locally based mental health and wellbeing support for children and young people in their communities.

I am sure the member will join me in welcoming this substantial investment, which equates to an additional £3.7 Million for Mid Scotland and Fife, and has resulted in over 200 new and enhanced supports and services for children and young people across Scotland so far.

£15m was also provided to local authorities and up to £5m to national organisations across Scotland to deliver the Summer Offer for children and young people, “ Get into Summer ” providing opportunities for children and young people to socialise, play and reconnect.

More generally, the wellbeing of young people is central to our work with schools, colleges, universities and employers; both in terms of access to support and facilitating positive pathways through the Young Person’s Guarantee.