GREAT strides are being made in the provision of mental health care in Cumbria, but even more can be done.

That is the view of Tim Farron MP who held a meeting last week with Helen Johnstone from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).

Waiting times for patients in South Cumbria are falling, with every child referred urgently to CAHMS being triaged within 24 hours to decide the appropriate form of care.

But Mr Farron is pushing for a further reduction in waiting times, and he hopes that the increase in CAHMS staff will do just that.

Ideas for other local initiatives were also discussed at the meeting, such as a parent-child support group in Kendal with the support of groups like the Youth Council and the Brewery Arts Centre.

The Liberal Democrat Party Leader said: "This was a constructive meeting and it was good to hear about the ideas that CAMHS has for improving mental health services for young people with complex mental health needs.

"Mental health has been overlooked for far too long. The Liberal Democrats managed to get it on the agenda during the last parliament, but there is still a lot of work to do.

"I will continue to push with all agencies for better mental health provision at all levels here in Cumbria, so that young people are able to talk about their mental health and get quick access to the services they need."