Tag: mental health

Free SAMH event to help boost physical activity and sport as a mental health solution in Edinburgh

Scotland’s largest mental health charity is hosting a free panel discussion exploring how physical activity and sport can help tackle the current mental health crisis.

SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health) are inviting anyone involved in local sport, such as coaches, personal trainers, jog leaders and more, to join the event, hosted at the stunning Playfair Library Hall at the University of Edinburgh on Friday 29 November.

Speaking at the event will be Stuart Campbell, Director of the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow—the first major event in Scotland to pledge to Scotland’s Mental Health Charter. Stuart will be joined by Professor Larissa Davies, a specialist in the economic impact of sport and physical activity. Attendees will also hear first-hand from people with lived experience of mental health problems, and the role physical activity had in their recovery.

Stuart Campbell, Director of the World Athletics Indoor Championships 2024, said: “My goal is to highlight what can be achieved through a social impact campaign in partnership with a major sporting event. We need input from all corners of our communities to challenge us to improve.

“This is a chance to start working together to ensure that upcoming sporting events truly resonate and prioritise your best interests. A Scotland that values wellbeing, supports mental health, and cares for its citizens is a stronger, prouder, and more prosperous Scotland.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to create connections with industry peers, share best practice, spread awareness of their work and ask questions directly to our panel of leading experts during a Q&A session.

Professor Larissa Davies, Professor of Applied Sport Economics at the Manchester Metropolitan University, said: “Physical activity is an important preventative health tool for combating poor mental health. 

“Being active reduces the likelihood of depression and anxiety, as well as the risk of non-communicable health conditions such as dementia. In addition, it also improves life satisfaction and general wellbeing.

“The case for investing in physical activity to address Scotland’s mental health crisis has never been stronger.

“My research focuses on measuring and valuing the social value of sport and physical activity, including the impacts on health, wellbeing, and social capital, both in the UK and internationally.

“Recent projects include the new social value model for sport and physical activity in England, and a study of Gaelic Games on the island of Ireland.

“I am looking forward to sharing more about my social value research, which spans across more than 15 years.”

The event is delivered in partnership with sportscotland and the University of Edinburgh and is free to attend for anyone who is interested.

Sign-up here Active Lifestyles: A high impact, low cost mental health solution Tickets, Fri, Nov 29, 2024 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite

PCHP: Embrace Nature and Connection This Winter

As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, it’s more important than ever to prioritize our well-being. Spending time in nature and with loved ones can be a powerful antidote to the winter blues.

Here’s why:

Boosts Mood and Reduces Stress: Nature has a calming effect on our minds. A walk in the park or a hike in the woods can lower stress levels and improve mood. 🌳

Enhances Physical Health: Fresh air and physical activity are great for our bodies. Even a short outdoor stroll can boost your immune system and keep you active. 🚶‍♂️

Strengthens Relationships: Spending quality time with friends and family fosters deeper connections and provides emotional support. Whether it’s a cozy indoor gathering or an outdoor adventure, these moments are invaluable. ❤️

Combats Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Exposure to natural light, even on cloudy days, can help alleviate symptoms of SAD. Pairing this with social interactions can further enhance your mental health. ☀️

Encourages Mindfulness: Nature encourages us to slow down and be present.

This mindfulness can help us appreciate the beauty around us and find joy in the little things. 🌼

So, bundle up, step outside, and make time for the people who matter. Let’s make this winter a season of connection and wellbeing! ❄️

PCHP’s Community Wellbeing Programme has lots to offer you this #Winter, why not pop in and take a look at our sessions or speak to one of the team.

#WinterWellness

#NatureTherapy

#StayConnected

#MentalHealthMatters

Charity marks 1-year of self-harm live chat support service

Since the launch of Self-Harm Network Scotland’s (SHNS) live chat service on World Mental Health Day 2023 (10th October 2023), the SHNS team has had 1,273 supportive conversations on the webchat, with an average chat lasting around 29 minutes.

The unique live webchat service can be accessed on the SHNS website and is for people aged 12 and over in Scotland in need of support for their self-harm. The service is available between 6pm and 10pm, seven days a week.

People can anonymously chat to one of the SHNS team about their self-harm and get advice and support outside of standard support hours, when those experiencing self-harm may be most in need of someone to speak to. 

As well as offering support via the live chat, the SHNS website has free and accessible resources, tools and information for people who self-harm, their loved ones and for professionals who work with people who self-harm. 

SHNS’s team of Peer Practitioners can also provide 12 to 15 free one-to-one support sessions for people (aged 12 and over) who self-harm in Scotland, delivered via video, phone calls and text.

The SHNS service is part of charity Penumbra Mental Health, which provides dedicated services for people with mild to enduring mental ill-health.

We work together with the Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) in delivering their self-harm strategy and action plan, which is believed to be the first of its kind in the world.

SHNS is funded by the Scottish Government, and we also work with partners who share our goal of providing compassionate and freely accessible support services to people who self-harm.

In the past year, 90% of people who gave feedback after using the webchat said they found it helpful (71% ‘Very Helpful’, 19% ‘Somewhat Helpful’). Here is some feedback from people that were supported by the webchat:

“[The chat] was so lovely and very logical and helped me into a safe and calmer location.”

“Very patient and convinced me to try the local self-harm services.”

“No pressure was put on me regarding my coping techniques. Very good listening.”

Darren Boyd, SHNS Network Manager, said: 

“Since the inception of Self-Harm Network Scotland, it has been important to us that people with lived experience guide our delivery of support. Feedback from people with lived experience revealed to us a need for accessible, national support for people who self-harm. We also know there is still a lot of stigma around self-harm and this can be a barrier to people accessing support.”

He continued: “The Live Chat is a place anyone can come to and can remain anonymous should they wish. They can get support from our team at times they are feeling distressed and may not have anyone else to reach out to. The first year of running this new element of support has taught us a lot, and we look forward to continuing to work with people with lived experience to grow and continue this service.”

Julia, who works on SHNS’ live chat, said: 

“The webchat is great, and the users have told me that they prefer it to calling somewhere. They appreciate the anonymity of the webchat a lot. A lot of young people feel anxiety about making phone calls. It’s also good for me as I find it easier to think about what I want to say while I am typing.”

Julia added: “Having lived experience of self-harm makes it easier for me to relate to the people I am chatting to. When chatting to someone on the webchat, I have shared tips that have helped me on my recovery journey, and I feel that I can easily pick up when someone needs to be heard most of all instead of looking for advice.”

Maree Todd, Mental Wellbeing Minister, said:

“I am pleased to celebrate the first year of the webchat that we launched together with Penumbra this time last year. 

“To have already supported 1,273 people through the webchat is a huge accomplishment and supports our vision for anyone affected by self-harm to receive compassionate, recovery-focused support, without fear of stigma or discrimination, as outlined in our Self-Harm Strategy and Action Plan.

“We greatly value the expertise peer practitioners and trained volunteers are bringing to this service, which is showing positive results in supporting people affected by self-harm right across Scotland. This is why we are continuing to invest £1.5 million to support Self-Harm Network Scotland.”

Paul Kelly, COSLA’s Spokesperson for Health and Social Care, said: 

“COSLA welcomes the ongoing development of compassionate support for those experiencing self-harm. Making services such as the webchat available is essential in ensuring those who need it get the right support at the right time. Through the Self Harm Strategy and action plan we continue to work collectively to improve responses and support for self-harm across Scotland.”

Outside of the live chat operating hours, people can self-refer on to the service via the online contact form.

You can access the webchat between 6pm and 10pm over on the SHNS website:

Selfharmnetworkscotland.org.uk

NHS Lothian: Veterans First Point service to be closed down

NHS Lothian has taken the difficult decision to withdraw joint funding from a service that provides support to veterans in Lothian, following a stark financial review.

The health board has told Veterans First Point Lothian staff and patients that it can no longer provide its share – £214,778 – of the total budget required, to maintain the service amid the significant financial challenge facing health boards.

Veterans First Point Lothian was jointly funded by Scottish Government and NHS Lothian as a “one-stop shop” offering support, advice and mental health care for veterans. It is a multi-award-winning service that has provided support to over 2500 different veterans throughout the last 15 years.

By April 2025, the service will cease to exist in its current form and a significant redesign and move of premises is planned by March 2025.

It comes as NHS Lothian is forced to review all services and departments in a bid to make efficiency savings of seven per cent following the budget allocation made earlier this year.

Further reductions in part of the mental health budget of 4.6 per cent means that the health board can no longer continue to find its share of this service.

Tracey McKigen, Director of Royal Edinburgh Hospital and Associated Services, NHS Lothian, said: “This has been a really difficult decision and we apologise to all of our patients and staff who are affected. We would like to thank the team for their dedication and commitment to supporting our veterans over the years.

“This is no reflection on the quality of the Veterans First Point Lothian service, but it does serve as a stark reminder of the extremely difficult choices that we are facing every day as we balance the need to provide safe and effective healthcare while meeting the severe financial challenges facing health board and other public sector organisations.”

Scottish Government will allocate its 40 per cent share of the funding and NHS Lothian is currently reviewing the future service provision possible within the remaining budget.

However it does mean that Veterans First Point Lothian will no longer be able to accept new referrals or commence any new episodes of treatment. Veterans, who are impacted by the change, are urged to contact the team to discuss alternative support.

If veterans feel they need help or support and are not already part of Veterans First Point Lothian, they should contact their GP during the day, and at evenings and weekends they should contact NHS 24 on 111.

Government regulations ‘causing spike in mental health problems in Edinburgh’s tourism sector’ 

New survey: government regulations causing spike in mental health problems in Edinburgh’s tourism sector

The Scottish self-catering industry highlights that Edinburgh-based operators report the highest levels of mental health issues in the country due the lingering threat of business closures.

A membership survey conducted by the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) shows that the Scottish Government’s short-term let regulations are causing a mental health crisis amongst small business owners.

In October 2024, around 450 operators were questioned by the trade body in an online survey as it continues to gather evidence around the impact of STL regulations.

Overall, around one-in-ten (11%) respondents said they had experienced no mental health issues as a consequence of regulatory changes. Incredibly, this figure drops to 0% in Edinburgh where the most stringent STL controls can be found.

The overwhelming sentiment is that the regulations have created financial strain, as well as increased anxiety and uncertainty, with sectoral discontent abundantly clear.

In terms of the key findings:

  • Across Scotland, over two-thirds (68%) had either experienced a ‘negative’ or ‘extremely negative’ impact on their mental health and wellbeing from recent regulatory changes;
  • This was particularly acute in Edinburgh where around 90% of operators had seen a negative or extremely negative impact; and
  • Edinburgh also had the highest number of extremely negative responses (46%).

The professional and personal strain is taking its toll. Several respondents highlighted the emotional toll, such as sleeplessness, anxiety, stress-related health issues, and feelings of helplessness, especially with the uncertainty of future income and business viability.

Many respondents also mentioned the high cost of compliance, administrative burdens, and delays in licensing applications, particularly for those relying on self-catering as their primary income.

These disturbing findings come as BiGGAR Economics published their independent analysis of the sector in Edinburgh. This showed it generated £154m in GVA and supported 5,580 jobs in 2023, while only having a negligible impact on housing with empty homes far outstripping the numbers of STLs.

Conscious to the issues facing small and micro businesses, the industry has attempted to work with national and local government to address the outstanding challenges to the regulatory framework but often to no avail. Edinburgh Council has now suffered a hat trick of legal setbacks, most recently with their u-turn over issuing three-month suspension notices.

Fiona Campbell, CEO of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers, commented: “Running a small business can be a rewarding experience but the last few years have been gruelling with the pandemic and cost of living crisis bearing down on everyone.

“Our survey highlights widespread concern amongst Edinburgh’s self-catering sector, with a clear negative impact on mental health due to recent regulatory changes.

“What is causing particular anguish is the ominous threat that livelihoods will be snatched away due to heavy-handed government regulation, especially with the conflation of licensing and planning requirements.

“To compound matters, just as professional businesses have been shut down or are at threat of closure, we’ve seen a burgeoning black market of unlicensed accommodation, thereby undermining the entire purpose of the regulations.

“Well-managed short-term lets can easily coexist within communities while contributing meaningfully to local employment and the economy.

“As BiGGAR Economics have shown, STLs support over 5,500 jobs in Edinburgh alone yet are vastly outnumbered by the number of empty properties in the city. That is where the policy focus should be directed rather than scapegoating an industry for housing challenges.

“It has to be remembered that the very same individuals under the cosh have dedicated their working lives to ensuring the capital remains a welcoming and leading destination. Quite frankly, they deserve much better.”

Mental Health Infographic – EdinburghDownload

Letter: ‘Deep concern’ over cuts to city council’s inclusion services

Dear Editor

As a coalition of organisations that support vulnerable children and young people, we are deeply concerned in relation to proposed budget cuts to City of Edinburgh Council’s inclusion services.

There has been a massive increase in the number of pupils in Scotland’s schools identified with additional support needs (ASN), such as autism, dyslexia and mental health problems. In Edinburgh, this has seen the number of pupils with ASN almost treble in number between 2013 and 2023.

It has been estimated that over 40 per cent of primary school and over half of secondary school pupils in the capital now have an ASN.

Unfortunately, the necessary resourcing required for this group has not increased. For example, the number of ASN teachers in Edinburgh’s schools has declined by four over the period 2013 to 2023, from 170 to 166, despite the massive increase in the number of pupils with ASN.

Any further axing in staff, who are already overstretched and under-resourced, in supporting these pupils will prove absolutely devastating.

This will impact not only them, but also fellow pupils who will face reduced teaching time given the need to support those with ASN, as well as putting even more pressure on teachers and support staff.

We would urge City of Edinburgh Council to reconsider its approach, as this sticking plaster solution of budget cuts will simply lead to reduced life chances for these individuals, with the resultant impact on society and the economy.

Yours faithfully

The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition:

Kenny Graham, Falkland House School

Lynn Bell, LOVE Learning

Stephen McGhee, Spark of Genius

Niall Kelly, Young Foundations

42 Charlotte Square

Edinburgh EH2 4HQ

Tel: 0131 603 8996

Agencies unite to enhance mental health support

 A partnership between NHS 24, Police Scotland, and the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) ensures anyone who needs urgent mental health support will be directed to the most appropriate service for their needs.

Termed the ‘Mental Health Pathway,’ the collaboration between the three services means that people phoning 999 with non-emergency mental health concerns are now referred to NHS 24’s Mental Health Hub.

This is staffed by Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners and Mental Health Nurses who are highly trained to help patients in mental distress. The Mental Health Hub is designed to support people who need urgent mental health support, where emergency intervention is not required.

The Hub can also be accessed by phoning 111. As well as helping people with their immediate care needs, specialist staff can also refer people to local services. They’ll then get further assessment and treatment if needed. Although most people can be helped immediately and supported with self-care techniques.

Dr Ron Cook is NHS 24’s Medical Director. He details the aims of the Mental Health Pathway and why it became essential for NHS 24, Police Scotland, and Scottish Ambulance Service to work together to provide more effective urgent mental health support for patients: “It is imperative that anyone in mental health crisis or distress can quickly and easily connect with professionals who are experts in that field. Within office hours, patients seeking help with their mental health should contact their own GP.

“However, during the out of hours period, such as evenings and weekends, it is common for patients to be unsure of where to access mental health support. Many will often reach out for help by dialling 999, which may not be the most appropriate care route for them.  

“The Mental Health Pathway was set up to streamline the process for anyone needing urgent assistance with their mental health, and aims to make all callers feel supported, understood, and cared for.

“This project has led to a better experience for individuals experiencing mental illness or distress, but also has the added impact of reducing the deployment of frontline services in non-emergencies and easing the demand on emergency services.”

The Mental Health Pathway was developed as a response to actions from the Scottish Government’s Mental Health Strategy 2017-2027, which aims to improve mental health services and outcomes for people in Scotland by providing a comprehensive and integrated approach to mental health.

NHS 24, Police Scotland, and SAS’ partnership went live operationally in 2020, and since then, the project has undergone various evaluation phases and gradual roll-out to thoroughly test processes to ensure patient safety.

2024 has marked a significant milestone for the Mental Health Pathway as over 91% of Police Scotland staff are now trained in the transfer process, with work ongoing to train 100% of applicable staff, secure the pathway as business as usual, and ensure all Police Scotland and SAS staff have awareness of and confidence in transferring mental health callers appropriately.  

Anna is a Senior Charge Nurse in NHS 24’s Mental Health Hub, she explains the benefits to patients: “It is great that patients now come directly through to us if they need urgent assistance with their mental health, as it means that they are not waiting for lengthy periods at A&E which may not be the most suitable place for their needs at that time.

“It is so important that we are providing safe and effective care for all patients, and the development of the Mental Health Pathway means that people are getting the help they need at the right time by right person.”

The collaboration between NHS 24, Police Scotland, and SAS not only has a positive impact on patients. The Mental Health Pathway has also meant that police and ambulance staff are no longer deployed unnecessarily to calls regarding mental health unless there is an immediate threat to life.

This change has meant that staff from these services now have more time to perform their core roles.

Notably, Police Scotland data has recorded that 17,413 officer hours were saved over a ten-month period and 99% of their staff confirmed they felt confident making referrals and using the Mental Health Pathway following their training.

Chief Superintendent Matt Paden leads Police Scotland’s Mental Health Taskforce, he said: “Our work around policing’s response to mental health seeks to reset the parameters of policing’s contribution to a system wide response to ensure people get the compassion, help, and support they need and deserve from those best able to provide it.

“Our colleagues in the Mental Health Taskforce and C3 Division have worked closely with partners in NHS 24 and Scottish Ambulance Service to deliver the Mental Health Pathway over a period of years.

“Their important work demonstrates the benefits of referring those in mental health crisis to services best able to meet their needs. This can provide better outcomes for individuals and communities, better value to the public and enable officers to tackle threat, harm and risk and prevent crime.

“Further development and evaluation will continue, but I am grateful to all of those involved in the successful implementation and delivery of the Mental Health Pathway.”

Catherine Totten, Head of Service for Mental Health and Dementia at the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) said: “SAS supports people in mental health crisis and distress 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year, and we are committed to improving the outcomes and experience for these service users.

“The Mental Health Pathway allows us to directly transfer non-emergency callers to mental health trained clinicians in the NHS 24 mental health hub, ensuring those in crisis receive the right care at the right time.”

Over half of all Childline counselling sessions with children in Scotland were about mental health last year

  • Childline delivered more than 8,000 counselling sessions with children in Scotland last year
  • This included 4,485 counselling sessions with children about their mental and emotional health and wellbeing concerns
  • This World Mental Health Day, the NSPCC is encouraging children to reach out to Childline for support on any issues

Over half (55%) of all counselling sessions delivered to young people in Scotland by the NSPCC’s Childline service last year were about mental health and wellbeing.

Between April 2023 and March 2024, Childline delivered 4,485 counselling sessions to young people in Scotland about mental and emotional health and wellbeing, equating to approximately 12 sessions a day.

When discussing their mental health, some of the top concerns that were raised were anxiety, stress, low mood, depression and loneliness.

To mark World Mental Health Day (Thursday, October 10th), the NSPCC is highlighting these figures to show the scale of children struggling with their mental health and to remind them that Childline is a safe place where they can seek help and support.

An 11-year-old girl from Scotland who contacted Childline, said: “I feel so lonely at school, I only really have one friend. What’s harder though is I feel I can’t talk about how much it upsets me.

“My parents seem annoyed or judgemental when I try to talk about my feelings. Speaking to Childline feels like a weight has been lifted.”

It is important for children and young people get help with their mental health at an early stage – through schools or in the local community – rather than waiting until they reach crisis point.

That is why the charity is calling on the Scottish Government to ensure communities have the resources they need to be able to support children’s mental health wherever and whenever they need it. This will require investment in specialist care, counselling in schools and support in community settings.

Any child or young person who is struggling can also contact Childline up to the age of 19 and have a confidential conversation with a counsellor over the phone or online, at any time of the day.

Adeniyi Alade, service head of Childline, who is based at Aberdeen Childline, said: “Growing up can be tough at times and our counsellors talk to children and young people every day to support them with their mental health and wellbeing.

“This Mental Health Day we’d like to remind young people that our friendly counsellors are here for them all day, every day, to talk about whatever is worrying them.

“They don’t need to struggle alone. We can help, whether they are feeling anxious, lonely, or depressed.

 “At the NSPCC and Childline we also believe that mental health support should be available in all communities across Scotland and are calling on the Scottish government to implement this to reach every pupil who needs help.”

The Childline website also provides support to young people on the advice pages or resources, such as Art Box, which is a space for children to write or draw about their feelings. Children can also use the service’s Calm Zone, an area of the website with lots of tools and mechanisms to help young people cope.

Drawing or writing can be a helpful way for children to process their emotions, as it can enable them to express themselves and make sense of their situation.

One primary school aged girl from Scotland who contacted Childline, said: “I’m so self-conscious of how I look, my personality, what people think about me.

“It makes me feel anxious. I know everyone is different, but I feel different in a bad way. Reading and drawing are my ways to escape.”

With this in mind, Lidl GB in partnership with Crayola is supporting the NSPCC in their mission to be there for every child needing support with their mental health by launching the Crayola Cosmic Creations and Fantastic Fantasy Activity Tube.

The activity tubes – of which £1 per item sold will be donated to Childline – are designed to give children a creative outlet for their emotions using colouring pencils, colouring rolls, foil art posters and stickers, all with vibrant designs.

Charlie Day, CSR Team Manager at Lidl GB, said: “Supporting young people’s mental health matters hugely to our colleagues and customers.

“That’s why at Lidl GB we’re committed to building on the over £9 million we’ve donated to the NSPCC since 2017, however we can.

“We’re delighted to sell activity tubes in Lidl GB stores that provide children with a calming activity and help them to express their feelings.

“Co-created by Crayola and Hunter Price International, the product will raise vital funds for Childline, and with the contact details on-pack, will help ensure young people have somewhere to turn when they’re ready to open up.”

Young people can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or via 1-2-1 chat on: 

www.childline.org.uk.

World Suicide Prevention Day 2024

There were 792 deaths by probable suicide in Scotland in 2023. This World Suicide Prevention Day reminds us the importance of looking out for one another and seeking help if we need it. 💙

Talking about suicide can be hard, but there is support and advice out there if you or a loved one is having suicidal thoughts.

NHS 24 has a range of services that can help with mental health and mental wellbeing. Please share for awareness!

🔹NHS 24’s Mental Health Hub – Call 111 and select the mental health option for urgent mental health help.

🔹 Breathing Space – a free confidential listening service for people over 16 in Scotland who are experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety. Call 0800 83 85 87 or web chat at www.breathingspace.scot

🔹 Living Life – telephone support using talking therapies based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Call 0800 328 9655 or visit https://www.nhs24.scot/how-we-can-help/living-life/

🔹 NHS inform – Digital tools and free online courses to get help with your mental wellbeing https://nhs24.info/mental_wellbeing

#WorldSuicidePreventionDay

#WSPD

#PreventSuicide

#MentalHealthServices