Wera Hobhouse MP, Liberal Democrat Local Government Spokesperson, is sponsoring the cross-party Local Government Association’s ‘Bright Futures’ campaign in Parliament this week, which is highlighting the importance of children’s services across the country.
Wera said: “I am pleased to be sponsoring the parliamentary exhibition on the LGA’s Bright Futures Campaign which is about seeing that our children and young people get on in life, rather than just get by.
“But it is vital these services are properly funded, with children’s services facing a funding gap of around £2 billion by 2020.
“Liberal Democrats have been campaigning for children’s mental health to be made a priority. The consequences of not tackling problems early can be lifelong. This is why it is good to see that the LGA is calling for councils and schools to be given the funding to offer independent mental health counselling so pupils have access to support as and when they need it.
“Providing just a small proportion of the funding the Government is spending on mental health support nationally on school counselling is one way government can ensure every child and young person enjoys the bright future they deserve.”
Councillor Howard Sykes, LGA Liberal Democrat Group Leader, said: “We would like to thank Wera very much for her support for this exhibition in Parliament and for the campaign. Liberal Democrats have a great track record of working hard on this issue, including the long standing campaigning by Norman Lamb MP to improve mental health services for children and young people.”
Find out more about the LGA “Bright Futures” campaign.
(Photo: Baroness Kath Pinnock, Baroness Dorothy Thornhill, Wera Hobhouse MP and LGA Lib Dem Social Care Spokesperson Cllr Richard Kemp at the launch of the Bright Futures campaign)