Children and Mental Health Services Debate

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Department: Department of Health and Social Care

Children and Mental Health Services

Gloria De Piero Excerpts
Tuesday 16th July 2019

(5 years, 5 months ago)

Westminster Hall
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Gloria De Piero Portrait Gloria De Piero (Ashfield) (Lab)
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I thank the hon. Gentleman for securing this important debate. My constituent Elodie Fleet, who is now 18 years old, experienced anxiety, which came to a head at the age of 13. She wanted to see the school counsellor, but her needs were not deemed to be urgent enough because “she hadn’t tried to hang herself or taken a blade to her wrists.” I hope the Minister will say how we can get more counsellors in our schools to deal with people such as Elodie, because she is not alone.

Andrew Griffiths Portrait Andrew Griffiths
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The hon. Lady makes a powerful point. It is true that her constituent is not alone. When I publicised this debate on my Facebook page, I was amazed by the number of parents who got in touch. I was overwhelmed by parents who have either battled through and managed to get to the other side, or are in the midst of fighting to keep their children alive, safe and well. As a parent, I realise what a scary thought that is.