The Scottish Parliament's Public Petitions Committee has launched an inquiry into how young people access mental health services.

The committee has indicated that it particularly wants to hear from counsellors who support young people in Scotland's schools, colleges and universities.

The focus of the inquiry is to understand and suggest improvements on how young people can access help, particularly for the first time.

The inquiry relates to Public Petition PE1627, which calls for the Scottish Government to provide for consultation with and consent from a parent or guardian before prescribing medication to treat mental ill health if the patient is under 18 years old.

The committee says it has already gathered a wide range of evidence on the action called for in the petition.

It says that a common theme that is emerging is that significant improvements are needed to help young people who require some support, but who do not necessarily have a mental health disorder, access the right services.

BACP is encouraging members in Scotland to submit to the inquiry.

More information on the inquiry, including details of how members can submit their views online and in writing, is available on the Scottish Parliament website

The deadline for submissions is Friday, 14 December.