Motion · S5M-20128 · 3 Dec 2019

Borderline Helpline

Lodged by Christine Grahame Standard Motion 15 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament notes with concern the proposal by Scottish Borders Council and NHS Borders to withdraw all funding from Borderline Helpline in six months’ time despite, it understands, all independent valuations, including those carried out by the council itself, considering it exceptional value for money with its high-quality service; notes that it is a local mental health service providing a free telephone helpline to all adult residents in the Scottish Borders, which, during its 20-year operation, has received over 90,000 calls, with many experiencing extreme distress or feeling suicidal with the loss of the highly-skilled and experienced staff, who also provide training and education to volunteers; notes that there has been no consultation, particularly with those who use the service, and urges Scottish Borders Council and NHS Borders to pause this decision at the very least until a full independent appraisal of the service and wide-ranging consultation has taken place.

Supporters (15)

Source: the Scottish Parliament motions and amendments record.