The fight for better mental health services led by a Lanarkshire mum who lost her partner to suicide, has taken more positive steps in the right direction.
Karen McKeown managed to attract more than 1300 signatures to her petition before submitting it to the Scottish Government.
And her calls for a full review of mental health services brought positive discussions by MSPs last September at the Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee.
The campaign by the inspiring mum from Mossend was once again heard today with more positive discussion as the committee decided to keep the petition open.
They now want to hear more from Karen and the Cabinet Secretary as it remains 'under consideration'.
The full review of mental health services would include a better referral process; crisis support; risk assessments; safe plans; integrated services working together; first response support and the support available to families affected by suicide.
It's been over four years since the father of Karen's two children, Luke Henderson, took his own life, devastating her family and causing a ripple effect of mental health struggles for herself and kids.
But the 33-year-old is determined to make a difference and fight the issue so no one else has to suffer.
Karen told Lanarkshire Live : "I’m happy the committee has listened and not closed the petition.
"I feel like they have to reconsider that the current mental health services need looked at and that mental health affects everyone.
"Also I welcome the convener comments about how in 2017 so much debate happened in Parliament about the stigma.
"But now that people are speaking up, there is no one to listen to them.
"Next I hope to get a review of the mental health services.
"I would like to see a trauma responses centre open up just for mental health and I would like to see more support for people who have lost a love one to suicide.
"People shouldn’t need to get to crisis point before even getting to the top of the waiting list."
Supporting Karen's campaign all the way has been Central Scotland MSP Monica Lennon who made a moving speech in support of Karen's petition at today's meeting.
She stressed that Karen will keep fighting for better mental health services and that the move is vital to suicide prevention.
Afterwards, Ms Lennon told us: "This is another important milestone. I want to pay tribute to Karen for her courage and her persistence and determination.
"She knows that the system has to change and get better, and any additional money coming in has to go to the right places.
"I'm really delighted that the committee recognises the challenges, they want to hear from Karen and the Cabinet Secretary which is really encouraging.
"And I'll continue to support Karen and all my constituents who want to share their experiences and want to make sure that we have mental health services which are fit for the future.
"We know that too many people don't get the help quickly enough and they fall into crisis and we know there is much more we need to do to prevent suicide.
"Karen's petition and campaign is giving people hope that this can change.
"In Karen's situation nothing is going to bring back Luke and we can't go back and change the past, but she is such a strong, determined fighter and she wants to help other people right across Scotland, and I'm really delighted that the Committee recognise she is raising some really serious issues and they want to help."
Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head on over and give us a like and share!
