Ruth Davidson to advise broadcaster on mental health

Edinburgh Central MSP Ruth Davidson has today stepped up her call for mental health to become a key national priority in Scotland.

ITV has announced that she is to become the chair of its new Mental Health Advisory Group, providing guidance to the broadcaster on how best to protect the mental health and wellbeing of participants and audiences in its shows.

As chair, Ruth will lead the board as it advises both on best existing practice and on evolving new thinking on mental health to help ITV and STV prioritise changes or improvements.

Scottish Conservative MSP Ruth Davidson said:“During my time as party leader I tried to ensure the issue of mental health in Scotland was at the top of the political agenda.

“Now, as a back-bencher, I’m looking forward to working on the ground to deliver real improvement.

“For far too long, Scotland has failed to talk enough about the importance of mental health.

“Putting it at the top of the national agenda is something we can all get behind, no matter our political allegiance.

“It is a subject with a particular personal resonance and I hope to champion that cause over the coming months and years.

“Television can have a huge impact on people’s lives and on the life of the nation.

“Creating a culture which supports the mental health of one another is so important and ITV and STV’s position means they can make a real difference in working towards this goal.

“I’m excited to be involved in ITV and STV’s efforts to bring mental wellbeing to the centre of our national conversation.

“It is so important to talk. The advisory group will have a huge role in setting the broadcaster’s overall mental health strategy, and I look forward to working with ITV and STV to make a genuine difference to people’s lives.”