Scottish Labour has warned that mental health services in Scotland’s universities are “totally overburdened.”
According to a freedom of information (FOI) request submitted by the party, 14,920 students requested for mental health support across 10 universities in 2020/21.
According to the FOI, almost every university reported a significant increase in the number of requests for mental health care.
According to available data, the figures had nearly tripled in the previous ten years.
The University of Edinburgh recorded a 242% increase over the decade, while Edinburgh Napier University claimed a 324% increase.
Labour has now urged the Scottish Government to “display the necessary leadership and bring together universities and health boards” in order to provide efficient mental health services.
“There is a full-blown mental health catastrophe happening in our campuses,” said Carol Mochan, a mental health representative.
“When kids need support, they are frequently tossed from pillar to post, with agencies hopelessly overburdened.”
“This issue has been festering for years, and the extra stress of a pandemic threatens to create a perfect storm.”
“The SNP must demonstrate the necessary leadership by bringing together universities and health boards to deliver the services students require, as well as fulfilling their promise to fund counselling in our universities.”
We have reached out to the Scottish Government for response.
