Enough with the GP waiting lists, let's get proper mental health support in schools
My daughter’s friend has been struggling with anxiety for months. Her parents finally got her a referral to a child psychologist, only to be told the waiting list is over a year long. A year. For a teenager who’s clearly in distress. It’s heartbreaking to see young people suffering because the system can't cope.
This isn't an isolated incident. We're seeing the fallout from years of underfunding mental health services, and it's hitting our kids the hardest. While I appreciate the efforts of our GPs, they're not equipped to handle the sheer volume of mental health issues. We need a proactive approach, not just reactive treatment when things get desperate.
My proposal is simple: significantly increase funding for mental health support directly within schools.
Why are petty crimes treated like major felonies and vice versa?
Seriously, why does shoplifting a pack of biscuits get a criminal record while deliberately polluting a river gets a slap on the wrist fine that the company just writes off as a cost of doing business? It makes no sense. We're essentially telling people that stealing from big corporations is worse than poisoning our environment.
My idea is simple: a tiered system based on actual harm and intent. For low-level, non-violent stuff, like minor shoplifting or minor vandalism, especially if it’s someone genuinely struggling, we should focus on restorative justice and community service, not clogging up the courts and creating lifelong barriers for people. Get them cleaning up parks or helping out in community gardens. It repairs harm and gives them a chance to contribute.
What do you think?
Vote on individual policies, adapt them, or write your own alternative. Good ideas should be tested.