LOCAL mental health service The Haven has been commended during a recent visit from politicians.

Based at The Fraser Centre in Tranent, The Haven aims to support families with children struggling with their mental health, and to prevent problems escalating to the point where professional intervention is needed.

The service is run by the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity and is open to families living within the catchment area of Ross High School and/or registered with Tranent Medical Practice.

Martin Whitfield, South Scotland MSP, was joined by parliamentary colleagues Jackie Baillie and Paul Sweeney for the recent visit, during which the Labour trio met with staff and service users to discuss the impact that the service had in the community.  

During The Haven’s first six months of service, there were 1,264 visits. Of these, 656 were children and young people and 608 were their affected family members.

The majority of attendees have mental health concerns such as anxiety, low mood and issues at school.

Mr Whitfield said: “I had been in dialogue with Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity about The Haven since the beginning of the project and am delighted to see the impact it is having on supporting young people and their families with mental health difficulties.

“The early intervention model adopted by the service is making a tangible difference to young people’s wellbeing, as well as helping to alleviate the pressures on CAMHS.

“I welcome The Haven model and hope that it can be replicated elsewhere in Scotland, as Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity is calling for.”

Roslyn Neely, CEO of Edinburgh Children's Hospital Charity, said: “Children and young people in Scotland are in the midst of a mental health crisis, a crisis which doesn’t just impact the child but the whole family, who feel they have nowhere to turn. 

“We are staggered by the impact The Haven has had on young people and their families, and the number of people who have been helped since we opened.

“We truly believe there is no time to wait. Allowing the mental health crisis to escalate just isn’t an option.”