Sir Rod Stewart help offer is great but waiting lists are far too long for young Scots
Our story about four-year-old Iain Gregori, who is set to start school without an autism diagnosis that he desperately needs, touched the hearts of the nation. He is one of hundreds of youngsters stuck in a 'void' as they are bumped off waiting lists while waiting for an appointment with a mental health specialist. Today we reveal that rocker Sir Rod Stewart has been in touch with the family to offer his support to them. He says he will pay from his own pocket for wee Iain to get the diagnosis and support he needs. As a 'knight of the realm', he sees it as his duty to help people whenever and wherever he can. It's not the first time Rod has stepped in to help those in need – and we're pretty sure it won't be the last. But we hope this kind gesture will also be a wake-up call to the Scottish Government. A combination of the cost-of-living crisis, the Covid lockdown and the pressures of social media have caused serious issues for thousands of young people. The hardworking professionals at Scotland's Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services are doing what they can to support these kids. But waiting lists for help are far too long. First Minister John Swinney has vowed to get to grips with a growing epidemic of child mental health problems. He and his health secretary Neil Gray are right to make it a priority. They have been patting themselves on the back for bringing waiting lists down. But if that is only achieved by bumping kids off the list as they wait for a diagnosis, too many children will not get the help they need. We need to see improvements soon so that no child – like wee Iain – is left behind. As the sun comes out to herald the start of May, Scots are lapping up a rare spell of fine weather . As we report today, thousands of us have taken to beaches and lochs to soak up some rays. But we also report that almost half of Scots have suffered sunburn in the last year. And that could be a recipe for health problem – like skin cancer – further down the line. So the message is clear as sun-starved Scots take to the great outdoors. If you're going 'taps aff', you need to make sure you get the suncream on.
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