Cole-Hamilton calls for “world-class mental health services" as he finishes Edinburgh Marathon relay

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton today spoke about why Scotland needs world-class mental health support as he completed the Glory Leg of the Edinburgh Marathon relay.

Alex ran the race with friends in memory of their childhood friend who was born with cystic fibrosis and passed away in his thirties after receiving a transplant ten years ago.

Afterwards, Alex spoke about why the Scottish Liberal Democrats have consistently championed the transformation of mental health services in Scotland and why it matters so much to him personally.

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said:

“Today I’m running in the memory of my friend and in support of a great charity, but this is an act of self care too. I’ve been grateful for the kind messages of support I received after opening up about my own battle with acute stress and running was a huge part of how I got well again.

“I'm proud that the Scottish Liberal Democrats have led the campaign for better mental health in Scotland and it's incredibly close to my heart.

"People all too often wait years for the help they need. That comes at huge personal cost to their health and can have tragic consequences.

"Long waits for help also mean that people are held back in life. We all lose out on their talents. Businesses and public services are losing hundreds of thousands of working days to mental ill health.

"When Scotland is so far behind on diagnosis and treatment, it's more important than ever that we get ahead on prevention and support.

"At this election only the Scottish Liberal Democrats will be setting out plans capable of delivering the world class mental health services Scotland needs, funded by taxing the social media giants who cause so much of the problem."