A DEBATE highlighting inequalities in mental health was opened in the Scottish Parliament by East Lothian’s MSP.

Paul McLennan stressed his commitment to addressing mental health inequalities in the county and beyond during the debate last Thursday for World Mental Health Day.

During the debate, the SNP politician noted that people living in Tranent and Prestonpans were up to twice as likely to have mental health problems than those who lived in more affluent areas.

Mr McLennan said: “It was a privilege to lead the debate on World Mental Health Day 2021: Mental Health in an Unequal World.

“It is a fact that poor mental health outcomes are linked to inequality, and the pressures of the pandemic have only exacerbated these.

“In my speech, I highlighted some of the shocking statistics around mental health, as well as giving some examples of projects that seek to provide support for people experiencing mental ill health, like the fantastic Andy’s Man Club project in Dunbar.

“The Scottish Government are taking steps to address this, including the recruitment of 800 additional mental health workers this year and ensuring that by the end of this Parliament, 10 per cent of all frontline NHS spend will go towards mental health improvement.”