MENTAL HEALTH
Challenge Poverty Week: Saturday
Tag: mental health
Delivering better local mental health support
Improving mental health and wellbeing
People needing support with their mental health and wellbeing will get access to help closer to home, including through new walk-in hubs and 24/7 emergency response teams.
Developed in partnership with COSLA, the new Mental Health and Wellbeing Delivery Plan seeks to improve mental health support and services over the next three years.
The plan also responds to pressures on emergency services and a rise in the complexity of cases being presented to mental health professionals and the wider workforce.
Commitments in the plan include:
- expanding community-based mental health support including the development of walk-in mental health hubs like SAMH’s ‘The Nook’, giving people access to local support without a referral
- increasing the 24/7 mental health support provided by the Mental Health Triage Cars, specialist emergency response vehicles currently operating in Glasgow, Inverness and Dundee, to every region in Scotland
- growing Scotland’s NHS 24 Mental Health Hub to include Psychological Therapies reducing pressure on A&E and other emergency services
- developing a new approach to support adults with neurodevelopmental needs
Speaking during a visit to a healthy living centre in Wester Hailes, which offers local mental health support, Minister for Mental Wellbeing Maree Todd said the plan fulfilled a Programme for Government commitment.
She added: “Good mental health underpins not just good health outcomes but can make the difference to someone being able to access and keep a job, their ability to focus and do well at school, and shape positive relationships throughout their life.
“This refreshed Delivery Plan is part of wider system reform and represents a joint commitment from national and local government to take action to improve the mental health of our population.
“We need a system that can adapt to meet different needs across a person’s life, regardless of where you live. Key to this is providing support and early intervention, that’s why services offered at places like Wester Hailes Healthy Living Centre are so important, giving people somewhere to walk in and get help for common mental wellbeing issues without needing a referral.”
COSLA Health and Social Care Spokesperson, Councillor Paul Kelly said: “Local Government plays an important role in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our communities.
“As we seek to challenge poverty, offer quality housing , greenspace and education for example we can help prevent people becoming, or getting more unwell.
“We also provide a range of services that directly support people with their mental wellbeing. This sits alongside the crucial work of the NHS and the third sector in providing the mental health and wellbeing support and care people need.
“I welcome our new, joint delivery plan, which aims to build on this whole system approach as we work together to help people achieve the best mental health and wellbeing possible.”
The Nook from SAMH to bring free, accessible mental health support to Edinburgh
A transformational mental health hub will open in Edinburgh next year, bringing free, accessible mental health support to anyone in the capital and its surrounding areas.
The Nook, a groundbreaking initiative from SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health), will launch on Lothian Road in early spring 2027.
The Nook in Edinburgh will be a flagship service for SAMH, which operates more than 70 services across the country, and is the charity’s response to the national mental health crisis, which sees tens of thousands of people wait too long for the help they need.
Designed to be a welcoming, friendly and accessible space, The Nook operates on a walk-in basis, removing the need to book appointments or receive a referral from a GP.
It will offer non-clinical, stigma-free mental health support for adults, young people and their families, so that anyone can ask once and get help fast with their mental health.
Scotland’s national mental health charity has a unique relationship with the capital, which was home to SAMH’s first ever service, a horticultural project that opened in 1983.
This legacy is continued by longstanding SAMH services including Redhall Walled Garden, based on Lanark Road, and the Hive Activity Centre at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital.
The choice of location for The Nook, at 142 Lothian Road, will make mental health and wellbeing support available in the heart of the city, and easily accessible to people across Edinburgh and beyond.
David Arbuthnott, 60 from South Queensferry, who attended SAMH’s The Changing Room at Tynecastle Park after experiencing the loss of his sister, said: “Deciding you need help and asking for it can be the most difficult things for people suffering from mental health challenges.
“Barriers can make people feel like they aren’t worthy of help and that they don’t deserve it, pushing them further away. Accessing help easily in Edinburgh, without having to jump through hoops and overcome barriers, will help so many people.”
Shona Littlejohn, Chair of SAMH, said: “The Nook will bring innovative, accessible mental health support to anyone in and around Edinburgh.
“As I know from experience, mental health challenges can happen to us all and have a devastating impact on individuals, families, communities and workplaces.
“Scotland’s mental health system is in crisis, with too many people failed by long waiting lists and the need for referrals. Change has been too slow, and lives are being lost and blighted. The Nook brings hope, compassion and practical support designed and delivered by Scotland’s leading mental health charity.”
The Nook is the largest mental health charity initiative in Scotland’s history and is funded by SAMH’s first major appeal, which seeks to raise £10 million to revolutionise mental health support across the country.
The Scottish Government has also committed to supporting some of The Nook’s operating costs and SAMH is working closely with government officials to clarify the level of support.
June Pennykid, Managing Director at insurance broker Keegan & Pennykid, and a longstanding supporter of SAMH, said: “The Nook is by far the most ambitious undertaking by SAMH in its 103-year history. It is also arguably the most essential one.
“Poor mental health is increasing at a higher rate than any other health condition, including among children and young people. That in itself is reason enough for delivering The Nook throughout Scotland, to ensure that everyone can access the mental health support they need, when they need it.
“As The Nook comes to Edinburgh, I’d urge my fellow business owners to get on board and support the appeal. After all, you never know when you or someone you love might need it.”
This will be the third Nook in Scotland’s first national network of walk-in mental health hubs, with the first Nook opening in Glasgow last year and the second in Aberdeen in June.
Last week, it was announced that 10,000 people have already visited the two existing Nooks, demonstrating clear demand and trust in the walk-in model.
Billy Watson, Chief Executive of SAMH, said: “The Nook is the largest charitable mental health initiative in Scotland’s history and we’re thrilled to be able to bring it to Edinburgh.
“With more than 10,000 people having already visited Nooks in Glasgow and Aberdeen, we already know that The Nook is needed, and that it’s giving people the help they need, fast.
“We hope The Nook will quickly become the go-to place for immediate mental health support in Edinburgh, while working closely with local partners in the mental health system and beyond.”
More information is available on The Nook website.
New funding round opens for Edinburgh community mental health and wellbeing projects
Charities, community groups and not-for-profit organisations can apply for grants of up to £5,000 to strengthen mental health and wellbeing across Edinburgh
A new round of the Edinburgh Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund opens on Friday 18 September 2026, offering grants of up to £5,000 for community-led projects supporting adults’ mental health and wellbeing across the city.
The Fund is distributed by Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations’ Council (EVOC) on behalf of the Scottish Government. Applications will remain open until Wednesday 18 November 2026. After an assessment process, successful organisations will have one year in which to spend their award after payment in March 2027.
The Fund is designed to tackle mental health inequalities, reduce social isolation and loneliness, support suicide prevention, and respond to poverty and inequality. It has a strong focus on prevention, early intervention and community connection, particularly for people who face socio-economic disadvantage or are at greater risk of poor mental health.
The round is open to charitable and not-for-profit organisations, constituted and unconstituted community groups, and other eligible organisations providing services in Edinburgh with an annual turnover of £2 million or less.
Funding can support practical costs including equipment and materials, one-off events, hall and room hire, participation costs, staffing, training, transport, utilities, volunteer expenses and safety equipment. Capital costs of up to £5,000 may also be considered.
Previous grant holders have shown how small, locally rooted projects can create meaningful change. Across Edinburgh, funded activity has helped people move from isolation into friendship and community participation, supported parents and carers to recognise that their own mental health matters, and created accessible opportunities through art, physical activity, peer support and volunteering.
Bruce Crawford, EVOC’s CEO said: “Community organisations understand their neighbourhoods and the people they support. This Fund helps turn that knowledge into practical activity that can reduce isolation, build confidence and create stronger connections. Previous grant holders have shown that even a relatively small award can unlock lasting change.
“We want to hear from grassroots groups with a clear idea, strong local relationships and an understanding of how their work will contribute to the Fund’s aims. We particularly welcome applications that clearly describe the difference the project will make and how local people have helped shape it.”
EVOC will host an online information and question-and-answer webinar for prospective applicants. The session will explain the Fund, eligibility, priorities, and application process, with time for questions.
Organisations considering an application can book the webinar through Eventbrite.
Full guidance and the application form are available here. Applications open on Friday 18 September 2026 and close on Wednesday 18 November 2026.
New estimates reveal the impact of physical inactivity on health
A new report published by Public Health Scotland (PHS) estimates the burden of disease attributable to physical inactivity from selected mental health and musculoskeletal conditions in Scotland.
The analysis was jointly commissioned by PHS, Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH) and the Active Scotland team within the Scottish Government. It builds on previous analysis of cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes, to provide a more complete picture of the impact of physical inactivity on the nation’s health.
The report estimates that more than 12,000 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) are attributable to physical inactivity from mental health and musculoskeletal conditions alone. When combined with the previous analysis, physical inactivity is estimated to account for nearly 24,000 DALYs each year in Scotland. Mental health conditions account for around 38% of the newly identified total burden, with anxiety the largest contributor.
DALYs are a measure used to help show the impact of ill health on both length and quality of life. They combine years of life lost due to premature death with years lived in less than full health.
While the relationship between physical inactivity and conditions such as cardiovascular disease is well established, these findings show that it also contributes significantly to poor mental health, disability and reduced quality of life.
Addressing the social, economic and environmental barriers that influence activity levels is key to supporting active lifestyles, helping those who are least active to move more and preventing others from becoming inactive.
Dr Dionne Mackison, Head of Place, Environment and Health Harms at Public Health Scotland said: “This report reinforces the importance of physical activity as a key determinant of health, underlining its role supporting good mental wellbeing, mobility and independence throughout life.
“Our Together We Can strategy, focuses on prevention and creating the conditions that enable people and communities to live healthier lives. Supporting people to be more active is crucial in preventing ill health and reducing health inequalities.”
Alex Cumming, Executive Director of Delivery and Service Development at Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH) said: “This research project yet again highlights the importance of good mental health and its foundation in us all leading healthy, active lives.
“Creating the conditions which enable people to be more active, is an early and preventative approach to mental health. Supporting active, connected communities can help reduce the wider burden of disease and improve the quality of life for people impacted by mental health.”
Responding to the Public Health Scotland report, Lauren Bennie, Head of Scotland for Arthritis UK, said: “This report highlights the significant impact musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions have on people’s health and quality of life across Scotland, and the important role physical activity can play in prevention and management.
“Importantly, it notes that MSK problems are ‘among the most common reasons for GP consultations and work absence’, highlighting their wider impact on individuals, health services and the economy.
“While the report estimates that physical inactivity contributes to the loss of more than 3,000 years of healthy life through MSK conditions, for people living with arthritis, being active is not always easy. Pain, stiffness, fatigue and reduced mobility can themselves create major barriers to physical activity, creating a vicious cycle that can further impact people’s physical and mental wellbeing.
“The substantial contribution of mental health and musculoskeletal conditions to the disability burden demonstrates that increasing physical activity is critical not just for living longer, but for living healthier lives, benefiting the individual, society and the economy.
“With around 1.7 million adults in Scotland living with arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions, we need a much greater focus on prevention, early intervention and access to the right treatment and support.
“That is why Arthritis UK is calling on the Scottish Government to introduce Scotland’s first MSK Action Plan and include MSK conditions in the upcoming Long Term Conditions Strategy, providing the coordinated national approach needed to improve MSK health and help people live healthier, more active and independent lives.”
Find out more about PHS’s 10-year strategy Together We Can.
BLAST: An evening with a Boxing Legend at North Edinburgh Arts
12th NOVEMBER 6 – 8.20pm
We are delighted to announce that BLAST will be hosting British boxing legend Frank Bruno MBE on November 12th at North Edinburgh Arts.
With November being men’s mental health awareness month we wanted to make a powerful statement in addressing it and what better way.
Frank Bruno MBE is a former WBC world heavyweight champion who has faced many challenges in boxing and with mental health and we are delighted he is going to share some of these stories with us on the night.
The evening will consist with doors opening at 6 with some welcoming refreshments (non alcoholic), a photo with Frank and then listening to Franks journey. With the evening coming to an end around 8.15.
Tickets are on sale now for all BLAST members or affiliations.
On general sale from September 18th.
Please note, tickets are limited to only 100. This is a very small and intimate event.
Please contact the FB page with any enquiries or to secure your space.
A special thanks to our sponsors:
Mental Health Foundation: Bring Me Sunshine
Have you noticed a boost in your mood from getting some sunshine, or spending time in green spaces?
Well, there’s evidence behind sun exposure and nature having a positive impact on our mental health.
This doesn’t mean the more sun the better! In fact, heatwaves can bring negative effects. So, remember to take in the sun, all while taking precautions.
As your physical and mental health are closely linked – by protecting your body, you’ll also protect your mind. 
Tackling gambling harms, supporting mental health
Funding for community-based organisations
New funding has been made available to support people impacted by gambling-related mental health problems in Scotland.
From today, organisations will be able to bid for a share of £375,000 to support projects and research linked to gambling harms and mental health, including suicide prevention.
The funding forms part of the £7.9 million allocated to Scotland through the UK-wide statutory Gambling Levy – supporting Scotland’s Population Health Framework commitments on prevention, early intervention and treatment services delivered across the NHS, local authorities and the third sector.
It is the second year the fund, which is administered by Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE), has opened for applications, with a total of 16 projects supported in 2025-26.
Minister for Mental Health Maree Todd said: “Gambling affects too many people in Scotland – and while it is often normalised, it is linked to many hidden harms. Earlier this year we announced £7.9 million to tackle gambling harm across Scotland, and this fund is a key part of that commitment.
“Last year, our funding supported exploratory projects which found that gambling harms are strongly linked to, but often hidden by other issues including substance use, housing insecurity and debt.
“This funding will help many other organisations working with some of those most affected, and I urge all eligible groups to apply.”
The ALLIANCE Chief Officer, Sara Redmond, said: “For many people gambling has become part of their everyday life – but research shows it can evolve into a slow often invisible decline that places individuals at heightened risk of harm and impacts on their mental health and wellbeing.
In serious cases it can lead to severe mental distress and even suicide.
“We need to understand more about the support that is needed within our communities – and that’s why the ALLIANCE welcomes this funding from the Scottish Government to do just that. Too often the most marginalised people and communities, those that face the biggest barriers already to better health, are the ones most at risk from gambling.
“The ALLIANCE’s work understanding communities in Scotland through our membership, and projects, gives us a good grounding to manage this fund. Communities provide solutions and on the local projects often have the answers. Solving the significant problems caused by gambling in Scotland has become a non-negotiable.”
Apply to the fund: smfscotland.grantplatform.com.
Applications open from 2 July until 14 August
Men’s Health Week
MEN’S HEALTH MATTERS
Men’s mental health matters. 
This week is Men’s Health Week and it is all about encouraging men to take steps to look after both their physical and mental health, as well as breaking the stigma around asking for help. 
For more support for men check out the organisations signposted or visit our website: mentalhealth.org.uk
Living Streets: Parents miss out on the mental health benefits of walking
It’s Mental Health Awareness Week and our new research finds that parents are missing out on the mental health benefits of walking.
We’ve learned that:
* One in ten parents walk for pleasure less than once a month
* After a walk, parents say that their fitness and mental health are better
* Only 51 percent of children aged 5-10 in England walk to school (it was 70 percent in the 1970s)
Next week is Living Streets’ Walk to School Week (18-22 May) where families are encouraged to walk, wheel, cycle, scoot or ‘Park and Stride’ for the whole week to see the big differences that come from small steps, from healthier and happier children to fewer cars outside the school gates.
Find out more: https://bit.ly/4dvqjJh