Tag: mental health

Holyrood committee: Lack of detail and narrow criteria hamper proposed mental health debt relief

A Scottish Parliament committee has expressed its concern with proposals to support people experiencing mental health issues and struggling with debt.

The Bankruptcy and Diligence (Scotland) Bill proposes introducing a “mental health moratorium” – meaning people suffering from poor mental health would be protected from some debt recovery action while their health improved.

However, the Bill proposes that only those subject to compulsory mental health treatment would be protected.

The Parliament’s Economy and Fair Work Committee has called on the Government to extend the criteria to include more people experiencing a mental health crisis, so vulnerable people are not left behind by the new scheme.

Economy and Fair Work Committee Convener Claire Baker said: “The Committee is broadly supportive of this Bill and its aims. The idea of a mental health moratorium will be very helpful to those who need it.

“However, we are concerned that the proposed narrow criteria will mean this Bill does not help enough people, and the Bill should be looked at again with this in mind.

“We are calling on the Scottish Government to extend the criteria to allow more people experiencing a mental health crisis to lean on this support.

“Experts suggested various alternative approaches, and we hope the Government will listen to their views.

“We also believe that this is an opportunity to increase the amount protected for debtors during an earnings arrestment, and further protect vulnerable people from destitution.”

The Committee also criticised the lack of detail around the proposals made available while it was taking evidence.

Crucial information concerning how the moratorium would work was not made available when the Bill was introduced, and more detail won’t be available until the Government sets it out in regulations.

The Committee heard from Minister for Community Wealth and Public Finance Tom Arthur that the Government would “endeavour” to produce draft regulations ahead of stage 3. 

Ms Baker added: ”The Committee looks forward to working with the Government further on these proposals. The Government has indicated they will bring forward draft regulations, and the Committee will look carefully at these.

“It is vital that the Committee has a chance to scrutinise these regulations before the Bill is passed, so that the detail of these proposals can be fully examined.”

ELREC: Mental Health and Wellbeing Workshops for Women

🌸 Join us for a series of FREE workshops focused on mental health and wellbeing exclusively for women! 🌼

These workshops are designed to equip women with practical tools and strategies, fostering an improvement in their mental health and overall wellbeing. Our expert instructor Rahila Khalid will cover various topics every week, including breathing practices, self-care, coping skills and more.

📅 The event will take place at the Edinburgh & Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC) starting from Friday, Feb 02, 2024, and run for 4 weeks on every Friday, from 11am-1pm.

Feel free to join us for any session, or attend as many as you’d like.

🌈 02 February, from 11am-1pm: Food and Mood, Better Sleep

🌿 09 February, from 11am-1pm: Breathing, Mindfulness, Gratitude

🌟 16 February, from 11am-1pm: Coping Skills, Thinking Style

💖 23 February, from 11am-1pm: Self-care – 5 ways of wellbeing

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, gain valuable insights, and learn effective techniques to improve your mental health and wellbeing.

🎟️ Spaces are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot today! 🌺

#MentalHealthMatters

#WellbeingWorkshops

#WomenEmpowerment

Fear of theft and violence putting a strain on tradespeople with more than nine in 10 targeted by criminals

  • More than nine in 10 tradespeople say they or someone they know have been victims of theft
  • Research shows 88% of those surveyed are concerned about the ongoing issue
  • Almost a third of tradespeople admit the fear of theft contributes to negative mental health
  • 60% in the industry do not believe mental health is spoken about openly
  • NFU Mutual is a proud supporter of Samaritans, whose volunteers offer emotional support to anyone who is struggling

More than nine in 10 tradespeople have been targeted by criminals as the fear of theft and violence puts a strain on the industry, alarming stats reveal.

New research* from commercial insurer NFU Mutual found that more than nine in 10 tradespeople (92%) say they or someone they know have been a victim of theft.

In the last 12 months alone, 53% of those surveyed said they had experienced tool or equipment theft, just shy of half had materials pinched, almost three in 10 had a vehicle stolen and 23% were victims of organised crime.

And those figures clearly weigh heavily on those in the industry, with almost a third of tradespeople (29%) admitting that the fear of theft and violence on their business contributes towards difficulties with mental health.

The rising cost of living (42%), financial worries (41%), stress of the job (39%), long hours (35%) and a lack of regular work (33%) were the other factors.

With almost nine in 10 tradespeople concerned about the threat of their equipment being stolen, NFU Mutual is urging workers to remain vigilant.

Trade theft pie chart1

Zoe Knight, Commercial Specialist at NFU Mutual, said: “Theft of tradespeople’s tools or equipment continues to blight the industry and the fact 92% of people surveyed say they – or someone they know – have been a victim speaks volumes.

“Tradespeople rely on this equipment for their income and livelihood, with crime hitting not just their pocket but, as our research shows, also having a huge and negative impact on their mental health.

“To see a third of tradespeople fearing theft or violence in their day-to-day job is worrying and we would urge tradespeople to do all they can to offput the threat of that happening – via security measures and recording serial numbers of equipment.

“We want tradespeople to feel supported and protected should the worst happen and know there is also help available for those struggling.”

A report by Builders Merchants News* revealed in December that texts to a construction charity helpline had seen an increase of 105% after the launch of an initiative to take the mental health message across the UK.

That could pave the way for more open conversations, with NFU Mutual’s survey showing that more than half of respondents believe that mental health isn’t spoken about openly in the trades industry.

While more than three-quarters of tradespeople did say they were confident or fairly confident they would know where to go for support if they were struggling, worryingly,  almost four in 10 (36%) said it is unlikely they would seek help if they had mental health problems.

Trade theft pie chart2

Commercial insurer NFU Mutual is a proud supporter of Samaritans, a charity which offers round the clock emotional support to anyone struggling to cope.

Jason Jaspal, Assistant Director of Business Development at Samaritans, added: “Samaritans offers a listening ear and a safe space to share how you’re feeling 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

“It’s vital that tradespeople reach out for support when they are finding life tough, rather than letting things build up and potentially reaching a crisis point. It doesn’t matter what they’re finding challenging, Samaritans is here so they don’t have to face things alone.”

NFU Mutual Risk Management Services is sharing the following advice to tradespeople:

  • Minimise storage of tools and equipment in vans: a robust, lockable building is preferable. Consider intruder alarms for high value equipment.
  • If you have to leave tools and equipment in a van, make sure it’s alarmed and, as a minimum, park against a wall so that doors cannot be opened easily.  
  • Don’t make it easy for thieves to guess that equipment is kept inside (a van or a building) e.g. by leaving items on display and leaving tools around which may assist an intruder.
  • Store portable items within a robust, lockable store that is fixed in place.
  • Restrict and control vehicular access to the work site.
  • Consider video security system (temporary systems and temporary intruder alarm systems are available for site use).  
  • Security mark your tools and equipment (e.g. forensic, engraving or permanent marking) to deter thieves and aid recovery.
  • Don’t stockpile high value materials such as lead and copper or leave them around for longer than necessary.
  • For construction vehicles use CESAR marking, tracking and immobilisation to prevent and trace thieves.
  • Check all locks and security measures before leaving any site e.g. alarms switched on, cameras facing the right direction and security lights working.

For quality trades insurance to suit all sizes, search NFU Mutual Builders and Trades Insurance at www.nfumutual.co.uk/trades-insurance/.

For more information about Samaritans and the work the charity does, visit https://www.samaritans.org/

Samaritans: The Blue Monday Myth

The myth that the third Monday of January is the ‘most depressing day of the year’ seems to pop up every year and we’ve honestly had enough of it. It’s just a completely made up marketing gimmick – there’s no science to back it up!

Our bad days aren’t for the calendar to decide and people can feel low any time of the year, but checking in with our friends and having a proper chat can make a real difference. It’s a small but mighty way we can all look out for each other 💚

Get your cuppas at the ready, and help us kick the myth of ‘Blue Monday’ to the curb where it belongs by joining us for ✨Brew Monday ☕ instead.

Brew_Monday_2020_tips_leafletDownload

Spartans Pop-Up Shop & DJ Event

WEDNESDAY 13 DECEMBER from 5 – 6.30pm at SPARTANS

In September this year, our young people held a successful Art Exhibition at the arts venue Out Of The Blue Drill Hall. At the opening event of CREATE TO ESCAPE, the young people sold prints of their artwork and raised just over £600 for for the charity Turn The Tables DJ, which offers workshops to improve mental health for those affected by homelessness. 

 Following on from the success, there will be an ART POP UP SHOP & DJ evening where some of our young people will be doing a DJ set, demonstrating the fantastic work they have been doing with their Music teacher Hope, here at the Alternative School. There will also be a chance to purchase some of the incredible Artwork by young people.

 Wednesday 13.12.23 5-6:30pm

Spartans at 94 Pilton Drive, upstairs in the Robinson Trust Suite

Please come along and support our young people in their final fundraising effort for this worthwhile charity which they chose to support!

WORLD KINDNESS DAY: Five reasons kindness can boost your health and wellbeing

“Kindness costs nothing … yet is the most priceless gift one can give.”

A leading campaigner on mental health has urged Brits to be kind as it can help others and boost you own wellbeing. 

And Lynn Crilly, who is also a mental health counsellor, says the “kindness of strangers” can often be the perfect tonic for someone experiencing a life crisis. 

Speaking on World Kindess Day – which is celebrated today (November 13) Lynn  said: “We often talk of the “kindness of strangers’ ‘ – and there’s no doubt that, sometimes, the very best support can arrive from a place you least expect it.

“Three years ago, at the start of lockdown, many people were inspired to reach out to each other with kindness. They were motivated to do the right thing by supporting and uplifting one another in the face of adversity,

“However, as the pandemic continued, it began to grind people down. They became tired, and less tolerant of each other. 

“Then, as the world began to emerge from the pandemic, it soon became clear the devastating effect it had had on people’s mental health. 

Addressing the issues many people currently face in their lives, Lynn continued: “People have been living in a state of uncertainty ever since, with the economy, climate, war and the high interest rates, all compounding many of mental health issues people may have today.

“That’s why I hope lots of people show kindness today and in the future.”

Lynn became a counsellor after one of her daughter’s, Samantha, fell into the trap of Anorexia Nervosa and OCD, at the age of 13. She explored every avenue and source of help, but they were not right.  Lynn felt she had no option but to educate herself and learn as much as she could about eating disorders and mental illness. 

Here Lynn shares five reasons why it can make a difference both to you, and the person sitting by your side:

It encourages us to reset the idea of ‘KINDNESS’.

Kindness is much more than ‘a nice thing to do’ It plays a vital role in our overall well-being. Research has shown that kindness has a positive effect on both our mental and physical health – whether we are showing kindness, receiving kindness, or just watching kindness. How wonderful is that?

It can help us to feel happier:

When we experience kindness, a hormone called dopamine is released in our brain which uplifts our mood. It is often referred to as ‘Helper’s High’.

Kindness improves relationships: 

We tend to gravitate towards people that show us kindness. This is mainly because kindness reduces the emotional distance between each other and helps us to feel more bonded.

Kindness is good for the heart:

When we show kindness to one another it makes us feel all warm inside. Acts of kindness are often accompanied by a feeling of emotional warmth, which in turn 

produces the hormone oxytocin in the body. Oxytocin causes the release of a chemical called nitric oxide, which expands the blood vessels, reduces blood pressure, and protects the heart.

Kindness slows ageing:

Kindness has been proven to slow the ageing process. Research shows that oxytocin can reduce levels of free radicals and inflammation (two main culprits of ageing) in our cardiovascular system. This also slows ageing at the source.

And finally, kindness is contagious:

When a stone is dropped into water it creates waves, acts of kindness of the same ripple effect. When we are kind, it inspires others to be kind, studies show that it creates a ripple effect. 

That spreads outwards, to friends, their friends, and their friends – that is a great three degrees of separation. So, when a person is kind to another it could positively affect up to 125 people. How cool is that?

The busy, complicated technology fuelled world we live in today desperately needs more kindness, which will not only give all the above benefits but also restore faith in human nature and give people hope. 

So, we should also remember we should not need a special day to show one another kindness. We should aim to make it part of our everyday life. Remember kindness costs nothing – yet is the most priceless gift of all.

Hearts celebrate victory over Hibs at the inaugural Auld Reekie Cup

Edinburgh’s exclusive charity golf tournament will return in 2024 after the success of this year’s event

For local football fans, seeing Hibs and Hearts go head-to-head is always a highlight in the sporting calendar and their latest game was no exception – even if it did have one significant twist.

Instead of meeting on the pitch, former players from Edinburgh’s Hibernian F.C and Heart of Midlothian F.C. battled it out on the GOLF COURSE in a brand new charity tournament, the Auld Reekie Cup.

Taking place on Thursday 26th October at the historic Royal Burgess Golfing Society, the Auld Reekie Cup proved to be a big success, with Hearts clinching the cup.

Their winning team included former football legends Gary Locke, Eamonn Bannon, Scott Crabbe, Jim Brown and Graeme Shaw as well as fans, who took on former Hibs footie stars John Brownlie, John Hazel, Derek Riordan, Scott Brown, Steven Tweed, John Blackley, Gordon Hunter and Graeme Harvey plus fans.

Thanks to the Hanlon Stevenson Foundation and the Big Hearts Community Trust, all money raised on the day will be used to support projects promoting the mental health of young people here in Edinburgh.

Auld Reekie Cup Picture: Alan Rennie

Speaking after the event, Hanlon Stevenson Foundation Ambassador Paul Demarco said; “The day was an outstanding success for all involved and the Auld Reekie Cup looks to be a fantastic addition to the years must attend derby fixtures in the capital.

“It was a pleasure to work alongside our city rivals and raise much needed funds for the work we do, especially at this time of the year. Well done to Big Hearts Community Trust on lifting the trophy, the result might not have gone our way, but there is always next year!”

Auld Reekie Cup Picture: Alan Rennie

Big Hearts Community Trust Chief Executive Craig Wilson added; “Big Hearts were delighted to be invited to take part in the Auld Reekie Cup alongside the Hanlon Stevenson Foundation.

“It was a brilliant day of golf with brilliant support from a wide range of new and old partners for both charities. Big Hearts, like the Hanlon Stevenson Foundation, recognise the challenges our communities face, and days like yesterday raising funds help us provide vital support. We look forward to trying to retain the cup next year!”

Following the resounding success of the first ever Auld Reekie Cup, the event will return next year and local supporters will once again be offered a unique opportunity to play alongside their footballing icons.

Live chat support for self-harm now available Scotland-wide

Self-Harm Network Scotland (SHNS) have announced the launch of their new live chat service; available to anyone aged 12 + across Scotland who needs support with their self-harm.

This new service is in addition to its online portal which launched on Self-harm Awareness Day 2023.

The SHNS service is operated by Penumbra Mental Health, a pioneering charity providing dedicated services for people with mild to serious enduring mental ill health.

SHNS is funded by the Scottish government.

The live chat, which can be found on the online portal, will be available every day between the hours of 6pm-10pm from Tuesday 10th October 2023.

The live chat was created to provide a support service outside of normal working hours, when those experiencing self-harm may be at their most vulnerable.

The live chat is a new addition to the portal, which was created to provide recovery-focussed support, tools and information that anyone can access to enable people to support themselves and others. This includes sections for those who self-harm, people supporting someone who self-harms, and professionals working with someone who self-harms. Additionally, you will still be able to self-refer onto the service via an online form outside of the live chat operating ours.

This next step will allow people anywhere in Scotland to get immediate support from one of the trained volunteers or peer practitioners. They can offer a listening ear, guidance and support when it’s needed most. Penumbra Mental Health is the largest employer of mental health peer workers in Scotland with 26% of its teams in peer support roles.

SHNS hopes that this service will reach people in their time of need, get them to where they need to be, keeping them safe and well on their journey to recovery.

Shona McBain, Senior Peer Practitioner, Self-harm Network Scotland, said: “Through the live chat, you will still receive that emotional peer connection that you receive through all our other services.

“You will either be connected with one of our peer practitioners or trained volunteers, many of whom have their own lived experience of self-harm.

“The difference with this service is that there is no requirement to agree to ongoing support. Our team will meet you at whatever stage you are at in your self-harm journey, and provide you with support that is tailored to your own needs. This might be a one-off conversation, or we may refer you to ongoing support if you wish.”

Meghan Drysdale, Service Manager, Self-harm Network Scotland, said: “Since SHNS’ infancy, the service has continued to grow and adapt to meet the needs of people across Scotland and raise awareness of Self-harm.

“Our team of practitioners exemplifies their unwavering commitment to working with those who engage in Self-harming, and this is driven by genuine enthusiasm for supporting others.

“Every member of our team brings a unique blend of passion and expertise, and this has allowed our service to grow and work so well to reach those in need.

“The addition of the live chat allows us to continue to reach more and more people in need of support. It reduces barriers and allows anonymity for those who aren’t ready to be known.”

Supported Person, Self-harm Network Scotland: “I received support from Self-harm Network Scotland after suffering with anxiety and depression following the birth of my daughter. I used self-harm at the time to cope with my feelings and emotions.

“The support I received was amazing. One of the best parts of the whole service was having someone with lived experience like my peer practitioner by my side. They helped me understand that I wasn’t alone in what I was experiencing.

“I had 15 sessions in total and I was initially worried about them coming to an end. When I found out about the live chat launching, this filled me with confidence. I knew that I had the tools to cope that my peer practitioner had equipped me with, but also, that the chat was there if I was ever struggling and needed to talk to someone quickly.

“I want more people to be aware that the live chat and self-referral process are there if you need help.”

British Psychological Society: Access to mental health and wellbeing support for NHS and social care staff has become a national lottery

Access to staff mental health and wellbeing services has become a postcode lottery for NHS and social care workers, after funding was cut for the NHS Staff Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs in March this year.

This World Mental Health Day, the British Psychological Society (BPS) is calling for all NHS and social care staff to have equal access to dedicated evidence-based mental health and wellbeing support at work, wherever they live in the country. 

With 17 hubs already closed or closing across England*, struggling staff in those areas are unable to access the dedicated support that’s still provided in localities that have retained a hub.

And, despite a limited injection of short term funding from NHS England to provide one hub per NHS region, which would offer a drastically reduced service for vast catchment areas, this arrangement is yet to be operational.

Some hubs report not having received this vital funding.

With less than six months of this financial year remaining, time is running out for staff who need to access help now. Yet, the need for dedicated mental health support for health and care staff could not be more stark.

The latest NHS statistics show anxiety, stress, depression, or other psychiatric illnesses was the most reported reason for sickness absence in May 2023, accounting for over 502,570 full time equivalent days lost and 26.4 per cent of all sickness absence.

Last year, more than 6 million full time equivalent days were lost in the NHS for mental health reasons. 

The BPS’s own research found mental health, stress, and work-related stress was behind nearly one-third(30 per cent or 500,021 FTE days)* of social care staff sickness absence in 114 councils in England last year.

With the NHS Workforce Plan placing responsibility for investment in staff mental health and wellbeing provision with integrated care systems from April 2024, local health and care leaders will make crucial decisions about their staff mental health and wellbeing services, including the hubs, in the next few months.

To date, just one integrated care board has confirmed continued long term funding for its dedicated staff mental health and wellbeing service, and 41 boards are yet to make a decision about the future of their provision from April 2024.

The BPS is urging health and care leaders to make funding for staff mental health and wellbeing support a key long-term priority in their budgets.

Dr Roman Raczka, BPS President-Elect and chair of the Division of Clinical Psychology, said: “NHS and social care staff have the right to be cared for by their employer, as they care for us.

“If and when they need help with their mental health, they have a right to parity of access to the same support services as their colleagues in a neighbouring area.

“The NHS and local authorities have a duty of care to their employees, and it simply isn’t good enough that where you live and work should have a bearing on the level of mental health support on offer if you’re struggling.”

This year’s theme for World Mental Health Day is ‘Mental health is a universal human right’.