NHS 24’s Mental Health Hub is open to all ages. If you are in Scotland and have an urgent mental health need, there’s support available to get you the right care in the right place.
Find out more about NHS 24’s 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, has raised concerns over cuts in specialist support being provided to those with additional support needs (ASN).
The call comes as new figures from the Scottish Government’s annual teacher census indicate that the number of specialist ASN teachers has fallen to a record low of 2,837 in 2024.1
In contrast, the number of those pupils with ASN has soared to a record high, now amounting to 40.5 per cent of the pupil population. 2 This includes those with mental health problems, learning disability, autism and dyslexia.
These numbers have been increasing for years. Indeed, more than doubling(102.4 per cent) over the last decade to 284,448 pupils, a rise from 140,501 in 2014, when those with ASN represented 20.8 per cent of all pupils.
Between 2014 and 2024 the number of ASN teachers (publicly funded primary, secondary, special and centrally employed) has fallen from 3,077 to 2,837, a record low and a decrease of 240 teachers.
In 2014, while each ASN teacher was supporting 40 pupils with ASN, by 2024 this figure had risen to each teacher now supporting 100 such pupils.
Against a background of spending cuts and reduction in specialist support, the SCSC has called for greater resourcing from both the Scottish Government and local authorities to ensure that those with ASN, who are disproportionately drawn from poorer neighbourhoods, are getting the care and support that they need.
The coalition has also raised concerns about the effectiveness of a presumption of mainstreaming, meaning that all pupils are educated in a mainstream educational environment unless exceptional circumstances apply, without the necessary support.
A spokesperson for the SCSC commented: “It is vital that those with ASN get the care and support they need. This is also key if we are to genuinely close the educational attainment gap as we know that those with ASN are disproportionately drawn from poorer neighbourhoods.
“With cuts in support, including in the number of specialist teachers, it is going to be extremely challenging to reduce the current inequalities faced by those with ASN.
“While we also support the presumption of mainstreaming, which means that all children and young people are educated in a mainstream educational environment unless exceptional circumstances apply, it is clearly difficult to see how this is functioning properly given the fall in specialist support and increase in the number of those with ASN.
“The Scottish Government and local authorities need to work together to provide the necessary resourcing to address the needs of those children and young people with ASN, who represent some of the most vulnerable individuals in our society. “
1 Scottish Government, Teacher census 2024 supplementary statistics, 25th March 2025, table 6.7. Available at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/teacher-census-supplementary-statistics/ (accessed 25th March 2025).
2 Scottish Government, Pupil Census 2024 supplementary statistics, 25th March 2025, table 1.5.
Available at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/pupil-census-supplementary-statistics/ (accessed 25th March 2025).
‘NO FAMILY RECEIVING SUPPORT WILL BE LEFT ALONE’
“The Haven passes the baton to SAMH, leaving behind a wonderful legacy, proving Scotland’s mental health crisis can be reversed.” – Roslyn Neely – CEO, Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity
A walk-in wellbeing and resilience pilot, developed to tackle Scotland’s mental health crisis will come to an end in the summer, after demonstrating unquestionably that early intervention can reduce mental health challenges among children and young people.
The Haven opened at The Fraser Centre, Tranent in September 2023 under Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity’s ‘No Time To Wait’ strategy. It later moved to bigger premises in Haddington due to demand, and since opening the service has attracted 3,461 visits. Of these, 2,041 were children and young people and 1,420 were their affected family members.
Roslyn Neely, CEO of Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity said: “We are incredibly sad that our pilot wellbeing and resilience service is coming to an end, but that was always our intention, as a charity we couldn’t fund this forever.
“However we will close our doors with a huge sense of pride in what The Haven has achieved and a promise to all families receiving support that we will not turn our backs on them, we will continue to provide vital assistance, ensuring that the care and connection established through The Haven remain a core part of our work.”
Scotland’s national mental health charity, Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH), has recently announced The Nook, a network of mental health support hubs, which will build on the foundations laid by ECHC and the team at The Haven, marking a significant step forward for mental health support in Scotland, and beyond.
Roslyn Neely continued: “We are delighted that our work will now contribute to a long-term, sustainable national approach to Scotland’s mental health crisis.
“The Haven passes the baton to SAMH, leaving behind a wonderful legacy, proving Scotland’s mental health crisis can be reversed, and we celebrate the fact that a major organisation like SAMH is stepping in to continue this important work.
“Their ability to advocate for long-term government support means that children’s mental health remains firmly on the national agenda, and we wholeheartedly support this.”
The Haven is a groundbreaking two-year pilot which has successfully supported hundreds of families who have a child struggling with their mental health. Critically, it uses a walk-in format with no waiting lists.
The Haven takes a unique whole family approach, supporting not just the individual struggling with mental health challenges, but their parents, grandparents, siblings and carers.
Community-led mental health and wellbeing projects are to benefit from £30 million Scottish Government funding over the next two years.
The Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for Adults – first launched in 2021 – supports local groups to deliver programmes for adults which build resilience and tackle social isolation, loneliness and mental health inequalities. It is expected the Fund will open to applications this Autumn.
In the first three years around 4,800 grants were made to a wide range of grassroots community projects focused on connecting people and providing peer support through activities such as sport, outdoor activities, and the arts.
The charity, Empower Women for Change, has secured grant awards in all rounds of the Fund to date. This year, the group is using its grant to support lone parents, families with a disabled family member, Minority Ethnic families, and young mothers.
Visiting their office in Glasgow Mental Wellbeing Minister Maree Todd said: “I am pleased to meet staff and service users at Empower Women for Change and hear more about the valuable work they do in the community they support. It is inspiring to see first-hand the impact that this funding can have.
“Since the fund was established, we have invested £66 million, reaching a variety of groups supporting those at increased risk of poor mental health and wellbeing – including people facing socio-economic disadvantage, older people and ethnic minority communities.
“I look forward to seeing the positive impact that this further £30 million investment will make to the wellbeing of people and communities across Scotland.”
Empower Women for Change CEO and Founder Asma Abdalla said: “We are delighted and honoured to welcome the Minister Maree Todd to our organisation. The Wellbeing Fund has played a transformative role in improving the lives of our service users of ethnic minority women and girls and our volunteers, members, and staff.
“Through our Inspired Women projects, we have provided vital mental health support, resilience, and community connection, changing lives and strengthening communities. We are looking forward to continuing this work, with support from the Wellbeing Fund.
“We welcome this unique opportunity to share Inspired Women participants’ testimonies, their voices highlight the urgent need for sustained investment in grassroots wellbeing services. Please join us in amplifying their stories and celebrating the power of community-led change.”
Partnership Manager at Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector Sheena Arthur said: “We are delighted that the Scottish Government’s Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund is continuing. This fund delivers small grants which make a positive difference and so far, has supported over 900 Third Sector organisations and community groups across Glasgow.
“In increasingly challenging times, the Third Sector plays a crucial role. This fund enables the development of existing projects as well as emerging ideas from the community. It helps to bring people together- contributing to better health and wellbeing of people and families, strengthening social connections and tackling inequality and poverty.”
Within the first three years, the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund for Adults has provided around 4,800 grants to community organisations delivering mental health and wellbeing support.
The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition (SCSC), an alliance of leading providers of specialist care and education to vulnerable children and young people, has raised concerns that 145 children and young people have been waiting more than a year for mental health treatment.
These figures were highlighted in the latest waiting time statistics from Public Health Scotland published yesterday (4th March), indicating that 145 children and young people had been waiting over a year for treatment from child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) in the quarter ending December 2024.1
This is an increase from 115 in the previous quarter ending September 2024.
In addition, 4,362 children and young people were waiting to start treatment at quarter ending December 2024, which is an increase of 3.1 per cent (131) compared to 4,231 in the previous quarter
On a more positive note, 90.6 per cent of children and young people started treatment within 18 weeks of referral. The Scottish Government target, dating from December 2014, states that 90 per cent of children and young people should start treatment within 18 weeks of referral to CAMHS. This has been achieved for the first time.
Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, cases of poor mental health in children and young people were at unprecedented levels, with under-resourced services struggling to keep pace with growing demand, leaving an increasing number of vulnerable individuals unable to access support
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.
A spokesperson for the SCSC commented: “The latest figures highlighting that 145 children and young people have been waiting over a year for mental health treatment is extremely alarming.
“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 major effect on classroom behaviour, impacting the young people concerned, their fellow pupils and staff.
“Each one of these statistics is an individual, and we would urge the Scottish Government 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.”
· Samaritans’ Small Talk Saves Lives campaign, in partnership with Network Rail and British Transport Police, launches as over half of adults in Scotland (68%) would appreciate someone checking on them, offering words of support, if they were struggling to cope
· New campaign film reminds the public that when it comes to saving a life, you already have a life-saving kit available to you – your words
· Samaritans branches across Scotland are holding pop-up events at railway stations across the country to raise awareness of the campaign.
New research released by Samaritans reveals over half of adults in Scotland (68%) appreciate someone checking on them, by offering words of support, if they were struggling to cope.
The findings come as Samaritans launches Small Talk Saves Lives, in partnership with Network Rail, ScotRail, British Transport Police and the wider rail industry. The campaign encourages people to start a simple conversation if they think someone doesn’t look OK on the railway network and other public settings.
Of respondents in Scotland, nearly half (38%) admit to avoiding someone who didn’t look OK because they were afraid of making small talk with them.
From this group, 23% said they weren’t sure what to say, while 42% said they were worried their help would not be welcomed. But small talk is no small thing, and we’re all better at it than we think.
A new campaign film has been released to remind the public that when it comes to saving a life you already have a life-saving kit available to you – your words.
Executive Director of Samaritans Scotland, Neil Mathers, said: “We can’t underestimate the power of our words when it comes to supporting someone who’s struggling. Our words really matter and could save a life.
“Small Talk Saves Lives is a campaign to empower people to start a conversation with somebody if they are worried about them or feel something isn’t quite right. We want to help people turn everyday conversations into moments that matter.”
Samaritans volunteers are holding a number of events at railway stations across Scotland between 4th and 25th of March, including pop-up stalls to provide information and engage with people who want to find out more about how to start these conversations.”
Ross Cunningham, representative on Samaritans Scotland’s Lived Experience Advisory Group, said: “From my own experience, I can’t emphasise enough how much talking helped in my own recovery from suicidal thoughts and depression
“When I went through a severe depression it felt extremely lonely, like I was the only person going through what I was. Speaking to others helped me put things in perspective and by feeling heard it helped me feel like I wasn’t alone.
“If you’re worried about someone, please don’t hesitate in asking them how they’re doing and letting them know you’re there for them.”
With nearly two in three people in the UK (69% of the UK) saying they don’t currently have any go-to phrases to start small talk, Samaritans Head of the Rail Programme, Olivia Cayley, is reminding people that saying even a few words will mean a lot to those who are struggling to cope.
Olivia Cayley, Head of the Rail Programme at Samaritans, said: “We know that people can worry about saying the wrong thing or feel like it’s not their place to step in, but it’s always better to say something than to say nothing at all.
“A little small talk and a simple question like ‘Hey, are you alright?’ can be all it takes to interrupt someone’s negative thoughts.”
Sir Andrew Haines, Network Rail chief executive, said: “We can all have good days and bad days and that’s why it’s so important to look out for one another. This campaign is a powerful reminder for all who use the railway, passengers or staff, that small talk can be life-saving.
“I’m so proud we’re able to join Samaritans and British Transport Police once again to inform the public that starting a little conversation can go a long way to help someone in need of support.”
Assistant Chief Constable Sean O’Callaghan, British Transport Police (BTP), said: “Our number one priority at BTP is to protect vulnerable people from harm, and with just a few words you can help us.
“From experience, we know that making small talk at the right time can really be enough to save someone’s life, but if you don’t feel comfortable or safe to intervene, please tell a member of rail staff or a police officer.
“You can text British Transport Police on 61016 or call 999.”
For more information and tips, visit Samaritans.org/smalltalksaveslives or join the conversation on social media using #SmallTalkSavesLives
The national standard on waiting times for children and young people accessing mental health services has been met for the first time.
Latest Public Health statistics show 90.6% of those who were referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) were seen within 18 weeks from October to December– the Scottish Government standard is 90%.
The figure is an increase from 89.1% for the previous quarter and from 83.8% for the same quarter in 2023.
Mental Wellbeing Minister Maree Todd said: “This continued progress is testament to the dedication of the staff who work so hard to help the children and young people they care for.
“We want everyone to get the support they need, when they need it. Clearly, reaching the national standard is encouraging but I know there is much more to be done if this is to be sustained and consistent across Scotland.
“However, we are on the right path and the £123 million we have allocated to NHS Boards this year will mean the quality and delivery of all mental health services – including CAMHS – will continue to improve.”
Responding to the latest CAMHS referral figures, Children First chief executive Mary Glasgow said: “While the progress on meeting CAMHS waiting times should be applauded, it shouldn’t deflect attention from the still growing mental health crisis among Scotland’s children and young people.
“Numbers of referrals to CAMHS have risen by almost a fifth and our teams across Scotland are seeing rapidly rising levels of worry and anxiety among the children and young people who come to us for support.
“The fact remains that children are often not getting support until they are in severe distress. This must stop.
“The Scottish Government must invest more in early help and support to prevent children reaching crisis point.”
Granton Youth have partnered up with The Junction – Young People, Health and Wellbeing, 6VT Edinburgh City Youth Cafe, Canongate Youth & Wester Hailes Youth Agency to be apart of a project called ‘Time to Talk’ – to try and support more young people across Edinburgh.
If you are aged 12 – 25 and are looking for support then get in touch with ourselves or find the contact information for your area in the poster attached.
How is your emotional health? 
It’s important to understand and manage our emotions, so we can feel good within ourselves and our relationships. 
Managing our emotions is a skill – and it’s never too late to learn new techniques.
Read our 9 top tips: https://tinyurl.com/yn7rvykn
The sights, sounds and smells of life in a British woodland have been proven to fill us with joy and boost our wellbeing, groundbreaking new research has revealed.
An overwhelming 90% of more than 10,000 questioned for a study supported by the Woodland Trust said their mood and general wellbeing were boosted by the wildlife in the UK’s precious woodland.
The research identified specific mood-lifting traits found in woods – from spotting a squirrel scurrying up a trunk and hearing a robin’s early-morning song, to witnessing a bird of prey soaring in the sky or feeling the crunch of autumn leaves underfoot.
But worryingly, the research pinpointed huge regional differences, with the majority of wellbeing hotspots found in the South East and parts of Scotland – areas with a higher proportion of woodland, especially ancient and long-established woodland cover.
These locations are rich in the variety of woodland plants, animals and fungi which people reported as being beneficial for their wellbeing, but previous studies have shown that only 7% of Great Britain’s woods are in good ecological condition.
The extensive BIO-WELL research was carried out by scientists at the University of Kent, with the latest research financed by a grant from the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity, the Woodland Trust.
Zoe Davies, Professor of biodiversity conservation at the University of Kent’s Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE), said: “While we know that spending time in natural environments can improve our health and wellbeing, we needed to know which species, or traits of species delivered these benefits.
“This compelling new research proves that nature is good for us and spending time in biodiverse, rich woodland can be a prescription for wellbeing.”
Key findings include:
Surprisingly, the research found that seasonal differences were irrelevant to the mental health benefits, meaning that, while humans may yearn for sunnier and warmer spring days after a long, bleak winter, a walk in the woods is beneficial in any weather and at any time of year.
Woodland Trust chief executive Dr Darren Moorcroft said: “The Woodland Trust is evidence based. Research like the BIO-WELL findings that we have supported is not only fascinating but vital to underpin what we do as the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity, for nature and people.
“We’re in the grip of a biodiversity and human health crisis, so it has never been more critical to improve the health of people and the planet. Proving that it’s good for us to get out among trees and nature means the next step must be ensuring that everyone in the UK has access to vibrant, nature-rich woodland where wildlife – and people and communities – can thrive.”
Martin Dallimer, Professor of environmental sustainability at Imperial College London, agreed: “If we want people’s wellbeing to improve from spending time in nature, then it is essential to make sure we are maintaining and restoring high-quality forests for wildlife and people.”
Unequal opportunities
Maps produced by the researchers showed strong regional disparity in woodland quality for wellbeing, highlighting the importance of restoring woodland biodiversity – especially in those areas which need it most.
Woodland Trust conservation adviser Sally Bavin explained: “This work shows there is stark geographical inequality across the UK in the opportunity for people to witness thriving woodland wildlife and experience the wellbeing lift that brings. This opportunity should be the right of all.
“The research’s focus on the distribution of woodland quality really fits with the Woodland Trust’s mission to improve the quality of woodlands rather than just the quantity. The research maps will allow us to target conservation efforts where they are needed most.”
Dr Jessica Fisher, research fellow at DICE, said the regional findings were ‘concerning’. She added: “The research suggests visiting a woodland rich in the variety of wildlife that supports human wellbeing is a privilege unequally distributed across society, and furthest from reach for those who could potentially benefit the most.
“Society needs a much better balance of woodland to ensure we can all access the traits that are going to boost our mental health.”
The research drilled down to discover which species were most enjoyed for their wellbeing benefits, including the top 10 favourite trees, other plants, animals and fungi. The top 10 trees were:
