A campaigning councillor has organised two more community meetings aimed at improving ‘failing’ children’s mental health services in West Dunbartonshire.
Deputy council leader Michelle McGinty - who last year accused West Dunbartonshire’s Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) of “fudging” figures, to reduce waiting lists - held an open meeting with parents of children on CAMHS waiting lists earlier this month.
The Leven ward member told the Lennox she was ‘horrified’ by some of the stories, but hopes to work with the community and West Dunbartonshire’s HSCP to improve services for local youngsters.
Michelle, who has children and grandchildren with experience of CAMHS services, said: “It was probably one of the toughest two hours I’ve had. Not because there was any aggression or animosity.
“It was hearing people’s heartbreaking stories that were so familiar.
“I’ve also met people individually who didn’t feel that coming to an open meeting was something they were comfortable with.
“We’re seeing common themes.
“There’s a lack of communication. People are told they are 100th in the queue, but there’s no explanation on what that means.
“It doesn’t mean you’ll be seen this week, next week, next year.
“There’s uncertainty caused by a lack of communication.
“We’re also seeing a lack of support for parents and children who are awaiting a diagnosis.
“Parents are saying they are living with guilt and are worrying if they are doing the right thing.
“Although CAMHS say that they don’t need a diagnosis for support, parents are saying there’s a lot of concern about whether or not the right support is given.
“There’s not enough support on the journey to getting a diagnosis, which is why getting a diagnosis is becoming such a big thing.
“People think it will be the answer.
“Sometimes the diagnosis is given and then there’s a lack of support. People are given it and then effectively told to go away and deal with it.”
After hitting out at CAMHS services in the past, Michelle is keen to avoid a blame game - and instead focus on working together to improve the support on offer.
She continued: “I really want to thank the parents, they were so open and articulate about their experiences. But they were also so open to trying to change the system, rather than just criticising it.
“There were lots of ideas about how we can make things better.
“I don’t want to criticise and focus on the negatives.
“The staff at CAMHS are doing their best. I want to see what we can put in place to make sure we get it right.
“A lot of good ideas came out that we can take forward.
“But if we make the difference in the lives of these families then I’ll be absolutely delighted.
“Some people are struggling really badly on a daily basis after horrific experiences.
“It will all be worth it if we can make a difference to those families.”
Michelle has now organised a further two meetings at WDC Church Street HQ, one on Tuesday March 7 between 6pm and 8pm and another on Saturday April 11 between noon and 2pm.
And she hopes to reach as many parents as possible, to let them know they aren’t alone.
Councillor McGinty added: “I’ve walked in their shoes.
“I have kids with additional support needs, I have grandkids with additional support needs.
“I’m not doing this for my kids, they’ve been through it and fought that battle.
“I absolutely know what it takes to go through this.
“Just having one person in your corner can make a huge difference.
“I hope I can be accepted as that person, so that I can fight for better services.”
