WATCH: Aberdeen MSP outlines aims for mental health and social care
Kevin Stewart was appointed into his new Minister role last week, he's been speaking to Northsound Reporter Lewis Michie.
Aberdeen Central MSP Kevin Stewart has been outlining his aims in his new role as Minister of mental wellbeing and social care, to Northsound News.
Mr Stewart was confirmed in the new job last week.
As part of the role he will report to the Cabinet Secretary for health and sport, Humza Yousaf.
A major focus coming out of the pandemic is set to be on mental health, services which many believed were in need to further funding even before Covid.
Stewart on improvements to mental health services:
Speaking to Northsound Reporter Lewis Michie, Mr Stewart said:
"I think we have to take notice of all that people have gone through during the past 15 months.
"The pandemic hasn't been easy for any of us, and the social care sector and the mental health sector have been pretty resilient through all of this."
For the mental health side of things the MSP highlighted getting access to Councillors in all secondary schools, further professionals in the community and online help tools would all be a focus.
National Care Service:
In terms of social care, one change he will play a hand in will be the introduction of a national care service.
The MSP for Aberdeen Central said:
"One of the key manifesto pledges that the government has it to create a national care service.
"Which is very, very exciting, and I hope to play a part in creating that national care service for all of our futures."
When asked when we could expect to see that service coming to fruition Mr Stewart told us:
"Some of what we want to achieve will take some time. "We have said that we will begin the consultation on the national care service proposals within the first hundred days of taking power."
He continued:
"Because this is not just about what the Government wants to see, it's what people out there want to see, and to get out of the national care service."
"I want to listen, more than talk , in some regards"
And that's a key theme for the Minister, he's excited to continue the recovery from Covid in order to get out and speak to the public even more.
Summing up he said:
"The thing that I like best is being able to go out and speak to people, which we are beginning to be able to do again, and to garner their views to help shape services.
"I think it is absolutely pointless for politicians to come up with grandiose idea and create new bodies, new entities, new services, without listening to people."