Tag: Health and wellbeing

Milestone reached in vital mental health programme

Supporting people in distress

More than 100,000 people have been referred to a mental health initiative which provides immediate, non-clinical support to those in need.

The Distress Brief Intervention (DBI) programme, launched in 2016, offers personalised support to people who present to emergency or primary care services in distress.

Initially, trained front line staff provide a compassionate response and then, where appropriate, offer a referral to third sector staff who contact the person within 24-hours and provide community-based support.

Mental Wellbeing Minister Tom Arthur said: “Each and every one of the 100,000 referrals has provided quick and compassionate support to someone in distress.

“There are many who make DBI such a success and I want to thank all those involved across health, social care, emergency services, third sector and academia.

“DBI plays an important role in our work to prevent suicide, sitting within our national Suicide Prevention Strategy, with investment doubled in the current parliamentary term to £2.8 million.

“We continue to work with partners to ensure those experiencing distress get the support they need, when and where they need it, to improve people’s mental health and wellbeing.”

Kirstie McCulloch, who received support from and now works for DBI, said: “I was experiencing severe panic attacks, anxiety, and depression, due to the Covid lockdowns. NHS 24 helped me when I had a severe panic attack and referred me for further support to the DBI service, which in my local area is run by SAMH.

“The support I received was invaluable. My practitioner had been so helpful that I asked them how they came into the role, as I knew this was something I would like to do for others.

“DBI aligns with SAMH’s ambition that anyone in Scotland can ask once and get help fast. In the years I have worked here, I have delivered compassionate support to hundreds of people and helped them to get back on their feet. It is very rewarding knowing that I can give back in this way.”

Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton said: “Police Scotland has over 2,300 DBI trained officers who can identify when someone is in distress and signpost them to the right service to provide the compassionate support they need and deserve, before redirecting to core policing duties.

“We will continue to work closely with key partners to develop and embed a whole system, trauma-informed, approach to mental health and this landmark 100,000th referral is testament to our collaborative commitment.”

Head of Mental Health and Dementia at the Scottish Ambulance Service Catherine Totten said: “The Scottish Ambulance Service is committed to ensuring access to services that offer care and support to patients experiencing mental distress and the collaboration with DBI supports us to provide the right care at the right time for our patients.

“We take pride in our contribution to enhancing access to the emotional care and support that DBI offers to its service users and are committed to continuing our support to keep widening the reach of this valuable resource.

“We are proud to celebrate with partners this momentous achievement of 100,000 referrals meaning 100,000 people are receiving this valuable service which was previously unavailable.”

Executive Director of Nursing and Care at NHS 24 Patrick Rafferty said: “The partnership between NHS 24 and the Distress Brief Intervention Programme is valued by patients and our Mental Health Hub team. This national pathway ensures that person-centred and compassionate care is then delivered locally to the people of Scotland.

“The impact of this significant collaboration through early intervention reduces distress, empowers patients and supports the journey to recovery.  This is a truly commendable initiative that we are delighted to be a part of.”

Distress Brief Intervention – Connected Compassionate Support | DBI.scot 

Improving patient care over winter

Initiative will save thousands of ambulance journeys every month

Almost £1 million is being allocated to help reduce pressures on A&E departments and improve patient flow over the winter months.

The Scottish Ambulance Service will receive £995,000 to increase staffing for a clinical hub model, which uses GPs to triage patients as calls come in to prevent unnecessary ambulance dispatches and ensure everyone gets the treatment they need.

The system was trialled successfully over a weekend in September this year and it is estimated that it could save 12,000 ambulance journeys over winter as well as safely preventing an additional 4,500 patients being conveyed to Emergency Department front doors.

The funding will also enable the expansion of patient transport hubs in areas where pressures are greatest, using Hospital Ambulance Liaison Officers who help identify and co-ordinate early discharges – reducing handover delays by keeping the flow of patients moving through the system in periods of high activity.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “Improving patient care over the winter months is a priority and this funding will see patients treated faster in the setting which is appropriate for them.

“The measures being taken by the Scottish Ambulance Service will help cut unnecessary ambulance dispatches and improve patient outcomes and experiences through earlier clinical intervention.

“Our winter preparations have also seen a £20 million investment for health board initiatives to increase social care capacity and relieve pressure on acute services.

“And, as the temperature drops, we continue to urge those eligible for the flu vaccine to take up the offer.

“As always I thank all our dedicated health and social care staff who continue to work tirelessly to provide excellent care to all those who need it.”

Campaign to address barriers preventing Edinburgh residents getting cancer symptoms checked

People in Edinburgh concerned that they have cancer symptoms are being urged to seek information and support while they shop.

This comes as Tesco and Cancer Research UK are working together to raise awareness in Edinburgh of possible symptoms of cancer, break down barriers people may face to speaking to healthcare professionals, and help customers feel more confident when communicating with their doctor.

A new survey by the charity and YouGov shows that there are a number of barriers that make people in the region delay or put off having potential cancer symptoms checked*.

The top four in Scotland are :–

  • thinking it will be difficult to get an appointment 48%;
  • finding it difficult to get an appointment 41%;
  • thinking symptom was unlikely to be anything serious 43%; and
  • deciding that symptom(s) could be managed by themselves 42%.

To break down these barriers, Cancer Research UK has created a health campaign with Tesco, running until 30 November, to highlight the importance of early diagnosis of cancer, and support customers to seek help if they’ve noticed something unusual for them.

If someone notices something that is unusual for them, they can have an initial conversation with a pharmacist at the Edinburgh Superstore in a convenient, private setting, and receive guidance on taking the next steps and booking a GP appointment if needed.

Tesco pharmacists have received specialist training from Cancer Research UK to provide support on possible signs and symptoms of cancer.

Michelle Mitchell, Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, said: “Nearly one in two of us will be diagnosed with cancer in our lifetime. Spotting cancer early can make all the difference, so it’s incredibly important that people get the support they need when they notice something that’s not right for them.

“That’s why we’ve joined forces with Tesco, to make it easier for people to talk to a professional about any concerns, and ultimately, to help diagnose cancers earlier and save lives.”

Tom Lye, Tesco Health and Wellness Category Director, said: “We know how many barriers there can be in day-to-day life around getting health concerns checked out. Customers can quickly and easily see a pharmacist at one of our Tesco Pharmacies. 

“Informed by their specialist Cancer Research UK training, pharmacists can have a confidential conversation about any worrying symptoms which could support customers in getting an earlier cancer diagnosis.”

Data from Cancer Research UK highlights why spotting cancer early is so important. Bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the UK – but about 9 in 10 people in England will survive the disease for five years or more if they are diagnosed at the earliest stage, compared to around 1 in 10 at the latest stage.

Across England, just over half of cancer cases are diagnosed at an early stage (55.3%), but this varies by region due to a number of factors such as some areas having higher numbers of cases of cancer types that can be harder to spot early, like lung cancer.

Tesco pharmacists are available all year round, supporting anyone experiencing symptoms so that they can discuss what steps to take next.

Suicide touching lives of nearly one in three Scots, new figures show

SOS Silence of Suicide launches free training to help save lives

Nearly one in three people surveyed (29%) in Scotland say they or a family member have been affected by suicide, according to a new survey by SOS Silence of Suicide. The charity says the numbers underline the urgent need for everyday suicide prevention skills in communities across the nation.

Respondents were asked whether they or a family member had been impacted by suicide. Across the UK, Scotland reports the lowest impact of the four nations at 29% and Northern Ireland reports the highest with 39%. This compares with 33% in Wales and 30% in England.

The results also revealed a generational divide, with young adults particularly vulnerable. UK-wide findings show almost half (46%) of 18–24-year-olds surveyed said suicide has touched their lives, double the rate of those aged 55 and over (23%).

To tackle this silent crisis head-on, SOS is today urging people across Scotland to take its new free mental health training course – OPEN Conversations – designed to give everyone the tools to help prevent suicide.

This training is only one part of the charity’s mission. With suicide rates still rising despite years of support and campaigning, SOS says prevention must begin in the everyday moments where someone might first show they’re struggling.

By encouraging people to recognise that we all share responsibility for looking out for one another, the charity wants to ensure help reaches people long before they reach a crisis point.

OPEN Conversations teaches individuals to notice the signs someone may be struggling, to respond with confidence rather than fear, and to provide vital support. And crucially, no prior expertise is required.

Lorna Hackett, Trustee at SOS Silence of Suicide, commented: “These figures are heartbreaking. It shows us that for too many people across Scotland, suicide is not a distant tragedy but a devastating reality. Too many lives are being lost too soon.

“SOS has been fighting the silence and stigma of speaking about suicide for 10 years, and we are now saying clearly that suicide prevention is everyone’s responsibility. We must rethink how we respond. We want to change the narrative so that checking in, caring and noticing the signs become everyday actions, not specialist skills.”

Lorna continued: “You don’t need to be a mental health professional to save a life. Sometimes, all it takes is being willing to have an uncomfortable conversation, to ask the difficult questions and to listen without judgement. OPEN Conversations enables people to do exactly that.

“This course can be completed in a lunch break – it only takes up to one hour – and will give you the confidence that could interrupt someone’s suicidal thoughts and change their trajectory forever. The silence is quite literally killing us; conversation is the medicine.”

Marking its 10th anniversary this year, SOS has spent a decade challenging stigma and supporting those in crisis. Its new training offers practical guidance for friends, colleagues, neighbours and family members.

The OPEN Conversations course is free and available to complete via SOS’s website: 

https://silenceofsuicidesos.org.uk/courses/free-mental-health-training/.

The survey was conducted by Censuswide on behalf of SOS Silence of Suicide in October 2025, with a nationally representative sample of 3,000 UK adults.

NHS Lothian staff recognised in prestigious Scottish Health Awards

NHS Lothian staff celebrated success at the Scottish Health Awards, taking home four accolades during a ceremony at the Edinburgh Corn Exchange.

The Scottish Health Awards celebrate the extraordinary achievements of those individuals and teams who go above and beyond to deliver compassionate, high quality health and social care to the people of Scotland.

Among the winners was Lucy Duns, Community Midwife, NHS Lothian, who received the Midwife award for going far beyond routine maternity care, providing life-changing support to a pregnant patient experiencing domestic abuse.

She recognised subtle signs of distress, offered private, compassionate conversations, connected her to specialist services, and safeguarded both mother and baby.

Through extra visits, advocacy, and empowering guidance, she restored the patient’s sense of control and safety. Her dedication, empathy, and courage transformed a dangerous situation into a path toward security and wellbeing for her patient.

Laura Jess, Head of Paediatric Respiratory and Sleep Physiology at NHS Lothian, has been awarded the Healthcare Scientist Award in recognition of her transformational leadership in healthcare science.

Laura has pioneered innovative, patient-centred services, influenced national policy, and significantly advanced respiratory and sleep physiology across Scotland.

A passionate advocate for education and workforce development, she mentors the next generation of healthcare scientists and promotes evidence-based practice.

Her leadership, dedication, and excellence continue to inspire colleagues, elevate clinical care, and shape the future of the profession.

Winner of the Allied Health Professional Award, Claire Yerramasu is a highly accomplished physiotherapist and Advanced Practitioner leading the Midlothian Community Respiratory Team at NHS Lothian.

With over 26 years of experience, Claire has revolutionised respiratory care, reducing hospital admissions, enabling earlier discharges, and establishing a multidisciplinary, patient-centred model now recognised across Scotland.

A champion of innovation, she integrates digital tools, service evaluation, and independent prescribing into practice. Claire also leads cutting-edge research, including a PhD Fellowship focused on co-developing data-driven risk stratification dashboards.

As an educator and national contributor, she is deeply committed to workforce development, patient engagement, and service excellence, cementing her reputation as a leader in respiratory physiotherapy and community care.

Steven Swanson, Senior Biomedical Scientist and Team Leader at Western General Hospital, NHS Lothian, was named joint winner of the Leader of the Year Award.

Steven transformed the Biochemistry Department into a centre of innovation, collaboration, and patient-focused excellence, achieving over 16 awards for clinical and quality improvements.

Steven mentors and empowers his team, fostering resilience, trust, and professional growth. Under his guidance, service delivery has improved through faster turnaround times, reduced errors, and advanced technologies, all while prioritising staff wellbeing and patient care, embodying NHS Scotland’s core values.

The winners were joined by another 6 finalists from NHS Lothian including:

Sophie Wardrop, Pharmacy Support Worker – Support Worker Award

FND Specialist Practitioner Team – Innovation Award

Laura Jeffrey – Team Lead, Adult Complex and Exceptional Needs Service – Integrated Care Award

Dr Ruth Brotherstone, Jody Forster and Samantha Stredwick, were also finalists.

Tracey Gillies, Executive Medical Director of NHS Lothian, said: “I’m incredibly proud of all our staff who were shortlisted for this year’s Scottish Health Awards. To be recognised among peers from across NHS Scotland is a tremendous achievement in itself.

“I would like to offer my special congratulations to our winners for their well-deserved awards and the recognition of their exceptional contributions to patient care and innovation.”

Shaping healthier food environments for the next decade

In collaboration with Public Health Scotland, Nesta, an innovation agency for social good, has today published two key publications which explore how Scotland’s planning system can be used to create healthier food environments and support efforts to reduce obesity and health inequalities.

The two publications are:

  • ‘Planning for Healthier Communities – Opportunities in the Scottish Planning System’ (research report)
  • ‘The role of Local Development Plans (LDPs) in shaping healthier food environments across Scotland’ (supporting briefing)

These resources draw on research, stakeholder engagement, and lessons learned to recommend practical steps for integrating food environment policies into the local planning system.

Around two thirds of adults in Scotland are living with overweight or obesity, and one in three children starting primary 1 are at risk of overweight or obesity, with rates significantly higher in more deprived areas.

Recent modelling also projects substantial increases in overweight by 2040. The need for change is evident and reducing overweight and obesity is a key priority in Scotland’s Population Health Framework.

Historically, planning policies in Scotland have rarely addressed food environments or obesity directly.  But now, the Scottish Government’s National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) and Local Development Plans (LDPs) provide an opportunity to change that. LDPs are currently in preparation stage, with decisions taken over the next two to three years shaping Scotland’s food environment for the next decade.

Many organisations, including local authorities and health boards, play a key role in the planning process. These new publications outline key stages and priority areas where public health professionals can contribute and influence the development of plans, such as:

  • providing local health data and expertise to support the case for food environment policies
  • focussing on health inequalities and areas where unhealthy food environments and obesity rates are highest
  • building stronger collaborations between planning and public health to gather evidence and advocate for change

Claire Hislop RNutr (Public Health), Organisational Lead – Food and Physical Activity, Public Health Scotland, said: “Scotland’s current food environment often fails to support healthy eating. This is particularly evident in communities with higher deprivation and where access to affordable, nutritious food can be limited.

“Improving Scotland’s food environment requires a package of measures; utilising the planning process as part of this is both necessary and possible.

“In particular, Local Development Plan preparation offers a unique, but time limited, opportunity to contribute to creating communities that enable and promote healthier food options – for years to come.”

Frances Bain, Mission Manager, Nesta, added: “Nesta were delighted to partner with Public Health Scotland on this research which was carried out through a residency placement and explored the potential to use the planning system to influence healthier food environments.

“Thanks to all the local and national stakeholders who participated in the research and in particular Dr Meadhbh Maguire for leading the work.

“We have been able to outline the opportunities and challenges that exist when considering new planning policies relating to the food environment and highlight the role that local development plans can play in supporting public health.”

Find out more about Nesta

Read the research report and briefing

Edinburgh Leisure launches unmissable £1 Black Friday Membership Deal

Edinburgh Leisure is making it easier than ever to kickstart your fitness journey in time for the festive season with an unbeatable offer: a £1 joining fee across all memberships, available for a limited time only from 14th – 30th November.

Whether you’re looking to swim, lift, climb, or stretch your way to better health, Edinburgh Leisure’s Full Fitness membership offers the best value in the city – giving you access to the widest range of activities across multiple venues, all with no contract and total flexibility.

This year’s offer is even more exciting with the inclusion of Evolve Meadowbank, a cutting-edge hybrid gym and Hyrox training club, now part of the Full Fitness package. It means more choice, more flexibility, and even greater value – all under one membership.

More Than Just a Gym

From state-of-the-art gyms and swimming pools to fitness classes, golf simulators, and climbing walls, Edinburgh Leisure offers something for everyone. And with a strong local focus, the campaign is shining a spotlight on three key venues:

  • Meadowbank Sports Centre – Featuring a modern gym, two fitness studios, Evolve Hybrid Gym, running track, and Café Refresh.
  • Leith Victoria Swim Centre – Home to a 25-yard Victorian pool, sauna, gym, and three group fitness studios.
  • Craiglockhart Leisure and Tennis Centre – Offering gym access, fitness classes, all at the home of tennis

Don’t Miss Out

This limited-time offer is your chance to join Edinburgh Leisure for just £1 plus the cost of whichever flexible membership you choose to suit your lifestyle and experience the breadth of fitness activities available across the city.

With no contract and local venues on your doorstep, there’s never been a better time to move more and feel great.

Offer valid from 14th – 28th November 2025.  Join now:

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/black-friday