Find where you can get more medication when your medicine supplies have run out.
NHS inform’s accessing medicines self-help guide will help to decide whether you need to contact your GP practice or pharmacy for more medication. The guide can be used for information about prescription and non-prescription medication.
The 10th of September 2025 marks World Suicide Prevention Day, and Samaritans Scotland is urging people across Scotland to show they care, interrupt someone’s suicidal thoughts, and help save a life.
To mark the day, iconic buildings across Scotland will light up green to raise awareness of Samaritans and the help available to people struggling with suicidal thoughts. In Edinburgh, the striking Balmoral Hotel will light its clock tower green, whilst in Glasgow the Science Centre will also be illuminated. Dundee’s Discovery Point will also light up green, and further north, Shetland’s Lerwick Town Hall will also be lit in the charity’s well-known colour.
The message to people in Scotland is that suicide is not inevitable. An interruption could be a face-to-face conversation, a phone call, text or any other way of connecting with someone when they’re experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Research released by Samaritans this year indicated that over half of adults in Scotland (68%) would appreciate someone check offering words of support if they were struggling to cope. However, nearly half of the respondents in Scotland (38%) admitted avoiding initiating a conversation with someone who didn’t seem okay. For some, they were worried they’d say the wrong thing. For others, they worried their help wouldn’t be welcomed.
To help people feel empowered to initiate a conversation with someone who may be feeling suicidal, Samaritans has put together a guide on how to interrupt someone’s suicidal thoughts with simple tips and advice, led by those with lived and living experience. You can find the guide here. In the guide, people can find ways to begin a conversation, how to be there for someone in the moment, how to listen without judgement, and how to help the person take their mind off how they’re feeling.
Many people may feel uncomfortable asking someone outright if they are having suicidal thoughts. Samaritans is encouraging people not to be afraid to ask the question, or of using the word ‘suicide’, as this gives people permission to open up. The charity has said that talking about suicide doesn’t have to be frightening, it shows that you care and gives the person space to share how they’re feeling.
Whilst it can be a difficult topic, you don’t have to be an expert or know the exact ‘right’ thing to say. Being there and showing that you care can make all the difference. Listen with empathy and without judgement to help the person open up about how they’re feeling, and don’t be afraid to ask someone if they’re feeling suicidal.
Representatives from Samaritans Scotland’s Lived Experience Advisory Group said: “If you think someone is struggling, even a stranger, it’s okay to reach out. A simple question like ‘are you okay?’ can be an interruption that saves a life.
“Even a small moment of connection can bring hope. That moment whispers: wait, stay, breathe.”
Danielle Rowley, Head of Policy and Communications at Samaritans Scotland, said: “It’s so important that we talk about suicide in order to prevent suicide, even though it can be challenging to approach and difficult to know what to say.
We want to encourage people to feel confident and safe speaking about suicide, and not to be afraid of using the word. If you are worried about someone, asking them if they feel suicidal almost gives permission for them to talk about it too. By allowing people to talk about how they really feel, we can help to save lives.”
Samaritans offers a free and confidential helpline for those in crisis and struggling to cope. If you’re suicidal or struggling to cope, you can call Samaritans free on 116 123.
More information about the campaign can be found on our webpage here.
The House of Hope Scotland celebrated a remarkable fundraising achievement at its inaugural Gala Ball, raising £70,000 through silent auction, live auction and donations on the night at the prestigious Prestonfield House in Edinburgh.
The sell-out event, held on 5 September, brought together supporters and the Scottish business community for an incredible evening of education and celebration. The event was hosted by popular broadcaster Grant Stott and STV News Entertainment Reporter Laura Boyd, with Grant’s rendition of “That’s Fife!” proving a particular highlight of the evening.
“I’m honestly blown away by what happened on Friday night,” said Lisa Fleming, founder of The House of Hope. “To raise £70,000 is just incredible, especially in today’s economic climate. It shows how much people believe in what we’re doing and want to help others going through this journey.”
The funds raised will directly support The House of Hope’s comprehensive range of services, including wellbeing therapies, tailored workshops, classes and emotional support services, all of which are provided free of charge to people affected by breast cancer and their families.
The House of Hope is Scotland’s first dedicated wellbeing and support centre for people affected by breast cancer and their families. Founded by Lisa Fleming, who was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in 2017, alongside husband Euan, the charity provides a welcoming, non-clinical sanctuary offering vital holistic support services.
The success of the Gala Ball was made possible through the generous support of sponsors including headline sponsor BTO Solicitors LLP, Hunters Gardens, and CF Services, alongside the continued partnership of partners Scotto and Estee Lauder Companies.
“The whole evening was just magical,” Lisa added. “From our amazing sponsors to Grant and Laura keeping everyone entertained, to every single person who bid in the auctions or made a donation, everyone played a part in making this happen.
A huge thank you as well to Prestonfield House and Signature Pub Group for donating the VIP and drinks receptions on the evening. This money will help us reach so many more people affected by breast cancer who need our support.”
SELF-HARM NETWORK SCOTLAND – IMPACT REPORT
Self-Harm Network Scotland’s (SHNS) latest Impact Report has been published, which contains key information about how the self-harm support service has helped people during April 2024 – March 2025.
Anyone in need of self-harm support in Scotland (aged 12 and over) can refer themselves to the service’s one-to-one support sessions via the Contact Us page on their website. Support is provided remotely by Peer Practitioners, who all have their own lived experience of self-harm.
212 people received one-to-one support during April 24 – March 25, with a total of 1,805 one-to-one support sessions taking place, averaging seven to eight sessions per supported person. Almost two thirds (62%) of referrals that were received were for people aged 30 or under. Feedback from those who exited one-to-one support shows that all respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the service was trustworthy and reliable.
Dee, from Helensburgh, is one of the people who has benefited from Self-Harm Network Scotland’s one-to-one support. She said: “I have been battling with poor mental health and self-harm for over 30 years, but I know that I am not alone.
“I was offered one-to-one support within five days. Me and my Peer Practitioner Isabella had an instant connection, and I immediately felt at ease.”
“I wasn’t talking to someone who had read textbooks. I was talking to someone with personal, lived experience, and a deeper understanding. It was very different to the type of support that I had experienced in the past. I was encouraged every step of the way and was able to turn ideas into my own thing.”
Watch Dee’s Story here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wygdt7fVduQ&feature=youtu.be
Live Chat
SHNS also helps people in need of more immediate support for their self-harm and distress via an out-of-hours live webchat service, which is available on Self-Harm Network Scotland’s website every evening (6pm – 10pm), seven days a week.
599 support conversations took place on the Live Chat between April 2024 – March 2025.
The most discussed topics on the Live Chat were: Self-Harm (83% of chats), Mental Health (52% of chats), Emotional distress (38% of chats), Suicidal thoughts (26% of chats).
An end of chat survey asks supported people to rate the helpfulness of the chat, with 86% of 198 respondents to the survey rating it as ‘Very helpful’ or ‘Somewhat Helpful.’ Additionally, 55% of respondents reported that they had used the Live Chat before, which suggests that they trust the service and find value in the support they have received.
Self-Harm Strategy
SHNS is part of Penumbra Mental Health, a pioneering charity providing dedicated services for people with mild to serious and enduring mental ill health. SHNS works together with the Scottish Government and COSLA in delivering their Self-Harm Strategy and Action Plan, which is believed to be the first of its kind in the world. The action plan prioritises addressing discrimination, reducing stigma around self-harm, and improving support.
Self-Harm Awareness Training
SHNS develop and deliver informative and accessible Self-Harm Awareness training and resources to help improve understanding of self-harm, raise awareness, and reduce stigma.
During 2024/2025, 180 Self-Harm Awareness training sessions were delivered to 2,137 people. This included specific sessions for 67 organisations ranging from local authorities, health boards, education establishments, and a range of third sector organisations.
Self-Harm Awareness training continues to see strong and increasing demand from organisations, delivering to almost 500 more professionals than in the previous year. Participants’ experience of the training remains overwhelmingly positive, with evidence suggesting that the training is helping to increase knowledge and understanding of self-harm.
Our Impact Report shows that ninety-eight percent of people who gave feedback after taking part in Self-Harm Awareness training agreed or strongly agreed that they had a better understanding of where help and support exists for people who self-harm.
Darren Boyd, SHNS Programme Manager, said: “Self-Harm Network Scotland’s latest Impact Report reflects a year of significant change, development, and learning across the service, as we’ve continued to centre lived experience in all that we do.
“The past year has been about creating safer spaces, holding complexity without judgment, and responding to people’s pain with care and consistency.”
“We know that compassionate, person-centred support doesn’t just make a difference — it saves lives. At the core of everything we do is the belief that recovery is possible — and that it should be defined by the individual. It is voices like Dee’s that remind us why we do what we do – and who we do it for.”
Read the Impact Report here: https://selfharmnetworkscotland.org.uk/our-impact/
If you, or anyone you know, are looking for support with your self-harm, please visit our website: https://selfharmnetworkscotland.org.uk/
Services helping women affected by drugs and preventing substance use by young people are to benefit from more than £2 million funding.
Minister for Drugs Policy Maree Todd announced the support during a statement to the Scottish Parliament on the National Records of Scotland latest statistics on drug misuse deaths. These showed a decrease of 13% to 1,017 compared to the previous year.
Recognising additional challenges faced by women who use drugs, £1.1 million has been awarded to Aberlour Children’s Charity for its perinatal support and recovery services. In Glasgow, £750,000 will be delivered through the Corra Foundation to make it easier for women affected by substance use to access services.
The ‘Winning Scotland’s Planet Youth’ initiative, which aims to create an environment that consistently supports young people to make healthy choices, has been allocated £750,000 to continue its work. NRS statistics for last year noted a drop in the number of deaths among young people from drugs, with 34 under-25s compared with 58 in 2023.
Ms Todd said: “I want to express my deepest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of the 1,017 people who lost their lives to drugs in 2024.
“Our National Mission on Drugs has delivered a number of positive developments, including widening access to life-saving naloxone kits to reverse overdoses and creating more residential rehabilitation beds. It is welcome that we have seen progress with the number of deaths at the lowest level since 2017, but these tragic drug deaths figures remind us, however, that there is much more to do.
“To that end, we are providing record funding of more than £160 million for alcohol and drugs in 2025-26. We will also accelerate the delivery of new initiatives, such as the drug checking pilot project. And subject to the Scottish Parliament’s agreement, we will be maintaining funding beyond next year to address harm caused by drugs and intensively support recovery.
“While there is nothing we can do to bring back those whose lives have been so tragically cut short, nor to ease the unimaginable grief that their loved-ones must feel, we will continue to do all we can to end the devastating impacts of drugs in Scotland.”
St Columba’s Hospice Care and Marie Curie Edinburgh are warning that essential palliative and end-of-life care services are now at serious risk due to funding decisions made by the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) and inaction by the Scottish Government.
The HSCP has chosen to reverse a 3% inflationary uplift in funding to hospices, which they committed to earlier in the year. This decision was taken in reaction to the Scottish Government announcement of an additional £5 million to help hospices address workforce pressures.
That £5 million was solely intended to support hospices with the recruitment and retention of skilled staff during a time of extreme pressure, not to replace existing funding agreements.
This decision from HSCP undermines the purpose of the allocation and places essential palliative and end-of-life services across the Lothians at risk. To date, St Columba’s Hospice Care has not received its share of the £5 million, which is approximately £496,000. The delay is creating further financial uncertainty and threatening frontline services for patients and families.
We call on the Scottish Government and HSCP to:
Jackie Stone, CEO, St Columba’s Hospice Care, said: “Hospice’s are being pushed to make very difficult decisions that may impact on our patients and families. This reversal sends a devastating message to our staff and to the families we care for that fair pay and essential services are negotiable. They are not.
“The Scottish Government made a public commitment to fair pay and sustainable services, but we are being left with broken promises and growing deficits.
“We urge the Scottish Government and local partnerships to act now before we are forced to withdraw services that thousands of people across Edinburgh and the Lothians rely on every year.”
Hospices are an integral part of Scotland’s healthcare system and must be treated as such. They need sustainable, equitable funding. The government must act now to ensure a consistent national approach to hospice funding.
Hospices deliver vital, high-quality care that the NHS relies on, and they must be supported, not penalised, for working to achieve fair pay for their staff.
THURSDAY 4th SEPTEMBER 12 – 1pm
Want to help improve services for British Sign Language (BSL) in the Lothian area? Come along to a public event for BSL users and their families to share your views on how to deliver our BSL Plan!
For more info go to: https://news.nhslothian.scot/2025/08/27/public-events-to-improve-services-for-bsl-users-in-lothian/
WAITING TIMES STANDARD MET FOR THIRD TIME IN ROW
For the third consecutive quarter in a row, there has been continued progress on waiting times for children and young people’s mental health care.
From April to June this year, 91.8% of those referred to CAMHS were seen within 18 weeks, according to the latest statistics from Public Health Scotland. This is a slight increase from 91.6% in the previous quarter, and above the national standard of 90%.
Mental Wellbeing Minister Tom Arthur said: “I welcome the continued progress in these services – staff across Scotland are working hard to ensure children and young people are getting the support they need when they need it, and I am grateful for their continued dedication.
“We have exceeded our promise to provide funding for 320 additional staff for CAMHS by 2026, and this will have contributed to the improvements we are seeing.
“However, I am aware there is still more to do to ensure standards are consistent across the country and we are supporting all NHS Boards to meet the standard and continue development in the delivery of CAMHS and all mental health services.”
The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition (SCSC), an alliance of leading providers of specialist care and education to vulnerable children and young people, is calling for parity of action and parity of spend as new figures highlight 146 children and young people have been waiting more than a year for mental health treatment in Scotland.
These figures were highlighted in the latest waiting time statistics from Public Health Scotland published today (2nd September), indicating that 146 children and young people had been waiting over a year for treatment from child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) in the quarter ending June 2025.1
Additionally, 271 individuals have been waiting for between nine months and a year for treatment.
The figures come out following a Freedom of Information request to NHS Boards that found that in 2024/25, a patient in NHS Highland waited 1189 days – more than three years – for treatment by CAMHS, and in NHS Tayside, a patient has been waiting 1,137 days to start treatment. 2
The Scottish Government’s target, dating back to December 2014, states that 90 per cent of children and young people should start treatment within 18 weeks of referral to CAMHS.
This comes against the background of a mental health emergency, with an increasing demand on services, exacerbated by the long shadow of the Covid lockdown and cost-of-living crisis.
Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, cases of poor mental health in children and young people were at unprecedented levels, with overstretched and under-resourced services struggling to keep pace with growing demand.
However, it should be noted that despite this greatly increased demand, only 0.82 per cent of the total frontline NHS budget was spent on CAMHS in the 2023/24 financial year, amounting to £134.188 million (real terms). This equates to just 82p in every £100 of the NHS budget. 3
A spokesperson for the SCSC commented: “The latest figures highlighting that 146 children and young people have been waiting over a year for mental health treatment are extremely alarming.
“While the fact that the Scottish Government is meeting its waiting time target is to be welcomed, many children and young people are still waiting years for help, which worsens their mental health and is a sure-fire way to add to their pain.
“What we need is not just parity of esteem between mental health and physical health, it’s parity of action and parity of spend.
“We are facing a mental health emergency, and many of our children and young people are at breaking point, with stress and anxiety reaching alarming levels as they battle with the long shadow of lockdown and the rising cost of living. This is also having a negative impact on classroom behaviour, affecting the young people concerned, their fellow pupils and staff.
“Each one of these statistics is an individual, and we would urge the Scottish Government to ensure the adequate resourcing of mental health services for our children and young people so that they can get the care and support they need, without lengthy waits.”
In response to today’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services figures, chief executive of Children First Mary Glasgow said: “Today’s figures show the importance of keeping the spotlight on children’s mental health.
“The reduction in waiting times is welcome, but while four months is the target, it is still too long, especially when children are suffering in severe distress.
“By urgently investing in more early help and support the Scottish Government can prevent children reaching a point of emergency.
“Every day our support line and our teams across Scotland hear from children and young people with high levels of worry and anxiety coming to us desperate for help.”
“If you are worried about your child our friendly support line team is here for you on 08000 28 22 33.”
DRUG-RELATED DEATHS IN SCOTLAND REPORTED FOR 2024
The number of deaths caused by drug misuse fell by 13% to 1,017 last year – the lowest level registered since 2017.
According to statistics published by National Records of Scotland yesterday, there were 155 fewer deaths in 2024 compared to the previous year.
The statistics showed that people in the most deprived areas were 12 times more likely to die from drugs as those in least deprived areas. This is a drop from 15 times more likely in 2023.
There was also a drop in the number of deaths among young people with 34 under-25s compared with 58 in 2023.
However, Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Maree Todd said there is still work to be done by the Scottish Government to deal with the harm caused by drugs.
During a visit to The Scheme Livi recovery project, which offers a variety of creative workshops to support people dealing with substance use, Ms Todd said: “My heartfelt condolences go to all those affected by the loss of a loved one through drugs.
“It is welcome that we have seen progress with the number of deaths at the lowest level since 2017, but I know there is still work to be done and we will continue to do everything we can to save and improve lives.
“This is particularly true as we face new threats from highly dangerous synthetic opioids like nitazenes, which further raise the risk of overdose and death.
“That is why we are providing record levels of funding for drugs and alcohol programmes and widening access to treatment, residential rehabilitation and life-saving naloxone. We have also supported and funded the opening of the UK’s first Safer Drug Consumption Facility and are working at pace to deliver drug-checking facilities.
“The spread of grassroots support, enhanced by our funding of more than 300 organisations and projects, has also made a difference on the ground. However, we will always want to do more and will continue to work hard to adapt to new patterns of consumption and demand to direct support where it is most needed.”
The Scheme Livi co-founder Aidan Martin said: “At The Scheme Livi, we’ve seen first-hand how grassroots projects, supported by Corra, can transform lives. Since launching full-time in March 2023, we’ve welcomed over 3,100 attendees, with 524 unique footprints, to our free creative workshops, which carry both therapeutic and creative benefits.
“These attendee numbers highlight the real need for safe, supportive spaces for people impacted by addiction, trauma, mental health challenges, social isolation, and social deprivation.”
The annual report for drug related deaths from the National Records of Scotland, published today, shows that there were 1017 drug-related deaths in Scotland in 2024; a decrease of 13% (155 deaths) compared to 2023.
The report also highlights the worrying extent of premature mortality, with 46% of deaths (467) occurring in the 35-49 age group, similar to 2023, when this age group accounted for 49% of deaths (583).
Opioids continue to be the most common drug type implicated in drug-related deaths (80%), which reflects a similar picture to 2023.
Reflecting on the publication of the figures, Dr Tara Shivaji, Consultant at Public Health Scotland (PHS), said: “We must all take a moment to pause and reflect on the stark reality of this report.
“These deaths are not just numbers; they reflect real people in our communities and families. Those who are working tirelessly within the system will feel the weight today as drug related deaths, and harm, continues to be one of the most significant public health challenges in Scotland.
“Whilst there was a slight decrease in deaths from 2023, Scotland continues to have one of the highest drug death rates in the developed world. Our most recent RADAR quarterly report showed an increase in drug harms during 2025.
“In order to tackle this, we must also address the underlying social determinants of health. Poverty, homelessness, trauma, and stigma play a key role in further entrenching the problematic drug use. We are working with health boards, local authorities and third sector organisations right across the country to reduce these inequalities.
“Scotland’s Population Health Framework 2025-2035 sets out a vision that we, collectively, need to focus on prevention and create supportive environments that promote health and wellbeing and reduce health harming activities.
“Through research and consultation, PHS is working across the system to actively engage with partners, stakeholders and people with lived and living experience.
“Our aim is to prevent substance use harm – making sure our schools, families and communities can reduce early risks and support healthier futures.”
COSLA has issued a short statement following statistics published today (2nd September 2025) on drug-related deaths in Scotland.
A COSLA Spokesperson said: “Every death from drug misuse is a tragedy. These numbers represent loved ones: parents, sons, daughters and siblings. It is a stark reminder of the challenges we still need to overcome across the public and third sectors to end deaths of this nature.
“Local Authorities continue to work in partnership with a wide range of agencies to support to people affected by addiction and drug misuse, and reduce the devastating impacts on our communities.”
EXHIBITION: THE ART of TAKING UP SPACE
Edinburgh charity U-evolve, which has been supporting young people’s mental health since 2015, will host The Art of Taking Up Space, a three-day exhibition showcasing artwork created and curated by young people across the city.
The free exhibition takes place from 30th September to 2nd October 2025 at Out of the Blue Drill Hall, Leith.
Marking U-evolve’s tenth anniversary, the project is the culmination of an 8-week art and wellbeing programme, co-facilitated by the charity’s resident Art Therapist, alongside local artists and art students. Young people have explored their experiences of mental health, trauma, resilience and hope, using creativity as a tool for healing, connection and change.
Alongside the exhibition, U-evolve is partnering with organisations including the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, The Ripple, LGBT Youth Scotland, Circle and Craigroyston Community High School to deliver pop-up workshops.
These partnerships aim to open up community spaces, widen access and encourage youth engagement with art as a pathway to improved wellbeing.
Alison Wright, Art Psychotherapist & Development Worker at U-evolve said: “I’m so proud of the young people who’ve taken part in our art therapy workshops.
“Art has given them a way to express feelings they can’t always put into words, and it has opened up space for conversations in a safe, informal way. The work going on display is honest and from the heart and shows how creative support groups, along with plenty of snacks, can support healing and better mental health!”
Susie McIntyre, U-evolve’s CEO added: “Our 2025-28 strategy is all about creating space for young people and places where they feel safe, heard and empowered.
“The Art of Taking Up Space will highlight just how vital these spaces and services are for healing, wellbeing, and engaging young people in therapies that resonate. We can’t wait to welcome visitors from across the city to the exhibition and to share these pieces from our amazing young people.”
A young person who has taken part in the art therapy courses commented: “These sessions have always been so helpful and even life-changing. I don’t know how my life would have been without this support.”
Since opening in 2015, U-evolve has supported around 200 young people annually, delivering more than 1,000 hours of free coaching, counselling and therapeutic services each year.
Based in Leith, the charity works extensively across North Edinburgh and the South East of the city, reaching young people aged 11 to 21, many of whom face significant challenges linked to poverty, inequality and trauma.
The Art of Taking Up Space is part of The Big Ten, U-evolve’s anniversary project funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and the event is sponsored by local Leith opticians Cameron Optometry.
The three days will feature several exhibition spaces, a retrospective of U-evolve’s decade of impact and an evening celebratory launch event on 30th September.
Tickets for the launch event, along with more information about U-evolve, are available at www.u-evolve.org.
