mental health – Page 24 – The NEN

Call for Scottish budget for mental health as figures show over 1,900 children have been waiting over a year for treatment

The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition (SCSC), an alliance of leading providers of children’s services, has called for a Scottish Budget for mental health. It urged greatly increased investment in mental health services against a backdrop of concerns over a mental health pandemic as the impacts of Covid-19 on the young become clearer.

The call comes as new figures published today (7^th December 2021) from Public Health Scotland indicate that at the end of September 2021, 1,978 children and young people had been waiting over a year for treatment from specialist child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) provided by the NHS.

This figure represents a doubling from September 2020 (959).They also represent 16.7 per cent of those waiting for specialist treatment.

With already under-resourced and overstretched services facing overwhelming pressure due to increased demand, the SCSC has raised concerns over a potential “lost generation” of vulnerable children and young people whose mental health is being impacted by Covid-19.

Even prior to the pandemic cases of poor mental health were at unprecedented levels and in crisis, and there are a growing number of vulnerable children who cannot access adequate support.

While 3,792 children and young people were treated over the period July to September 2021 by CAMHS, only 78.6 per cent were seen within the Scottish Government’s waiting time target for the NHS of 18 weeks from referral to treatment (met for at least 90 per cent of patients). Nine out of 14 health boards failed to meet this target.

Waiting times (with adjustments) for people who started their treatment from July to September 2021, by NHS Board of treatment.

Health board	Total number seen	% seen within 18 weeks
NHS Scotland	3,792	78.6
NHS Ayrshire & Arran	381	99.5
NHS Borders	77	55.8
NHS Dumfries & Galloway	81	33.3
NHS Fife	340	83.8
NHS Forth Valley	87	64.4
NHS Grampian	392	94.9
NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde Valley	1,021	75.5
NHS Highland	170	76.5
NHS Lanarkshire	183	68.3
NHS Lothian	661	67.9
NHS Tayside	352	84.1
NHS Island Boards	47	100.0

In addition to increased investment in mental health services through a Scottish Budget for mental health, the SCSC has called for a renewed focus on expanded prevention and early intervention services, reducing the need for referral to costly specialist CAMHS.

It has also called for greater partnership working between the public, private and third sectors as well as greater awareness of the services on offer, especially those at a community level.

A spokesperson for the SCSC commented: “We are urging the Scottish Government to make the forthcoming budget a Budget for mental health for our children and young people.

“For some time we have raised concerns over a potential lost generation of vulnerable children and young people, whose mental health is being impacted even further by the Covid-19 pandemic. It is more important than ever that children can access the support they need, when they need it, irrespective of where they live.

“To achieve this there must be a radical transformation of our mental health services, investing in specialist services and with a focus on preventing such problems arising in the first place and intervening early.

“This is a crisis we can overcome, but it will require a similar energy and commitment to that demonstrated for Covid-19 if we are to achieve this and prevent many young people giving up on their futures.”

Holyrood Committee launches inquiry into health and wellbeing of children and young people

An inquiry has been launched into the health and wellbeing of children and young people by a Scottish Parliament Committee.

The Health, Social Care and Sport Committee is seeking to find out the key issues around health and wellbeing for children and young people in Scotland. They will investigate what the challenges and opportunities are for improving their health and wellbeing, and how addressing poverty can lead to improved health and social care outcomes.

The inquiry will focus on 4 key areas:

• Child poverty (including the Scottish Government’s current child poverty delivery plan), inequality and adverse childhood experiences;
• Issues affecting care experienced young people;
• Mental health, access to Child and Adult Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and the importance of early intervention;
• Health and wellbeing in schools

Speaking as the inquiry launched, Gillian Martin MSP, Convener of the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee, said: “There are a whole host of factors which impact the health and wellbeing of our children and young people, and our Committee will consider these in detail.

“The physical and mental toll of the pandemic on children and young people cannot be overstated and we know that prior to this pandemic there was already a high and
increasing demand for youth mental health services in Scotland.

“As we emerge from the pandemic and with the Scottish Government’s current child poverty delivery plan due to run until 2022, our inquiry comes at a pivotal time. We are determined to find out how children and young people can best be supported to live healthy and flourishing lives.”

You can let the Committee know your views here:

Inquiry into the Health And Wellbeing of Children And Young People – Scottish Parliament – Citizen Space

The call for views will close on 7 December 2021.

Mental health charity praises brave youngsters for speaking out about “invisible” illness

A mental health charity is praising its young ambassadors who are bravely speaking out about the challenges of living with “invisible” illness.

Throughout this month Teapot Trust is raising awareness of the challenges children and young people face when living with a chronic and/or physical condition that has no obvious outward sign. A number of young people will be acting as ambassadors for the charity, talking about the impact living with these conditions has on their self esteem and mental health.

Teapot Trust is a charity at the forefront of transformative mental health support for children, young people and families living with chronic conditions and has pioneered to introduce therapeutic art into pediatric out-patient clinics in UK hospitals to keep children distracted and calm in between invasive tests, injections and scans. Art therapy can help young people express their feelings and develop coping mechanisms when coming to terms with a diagnosis or dealing with a course of treatment.

Daisy, who lives in the Highlands, is nine years old and suffers from juvenile arthritis. She has one-to-one online art therapy sessions with a Teapot Trust art therapist.

Daisy said: “Having arthritis is a pain. The Teapot Trust has really helped me with it. I’ve gotten to express a lot of emotions I normally wouldn’t have. Without it I would have just gotten so stressed. I would have stayed home more days and not managed to do a lot more stuff.

“At school sometimes I feel like I get bullied and that stresses me. It’s just difficult having arthritis and going to school at the same time.”

Sarah Randell, Chief Executive for Teapot Trust added: “Sadly, statistics show that a significant number of children and young people at risk of self-harm and suicide ideation have a chronic and/or physical health condition. The seemingly invisible nature of their condition can add to their sense of isolation making them feel like they’re suffering in silence.

“We’re incredibly proud of our young ambassadors who have decided to break this silence and talk about the challenges they face living with ‘invisible’ illness.”

During November Teapot Trust hopes to raise public awareness by highlighting the experience of young patients who live with an “invisible” illness. Individuals around Scotland are bravely speaking out to encourage others to access funded art therapy through the charity.

Remember, remember The Firework Heroes Code

This week, as Bonfire Night celebrations take place, HELP for HEROES are calling on the British public to practice ‘The Firework Heroes Code’. We want people to be more mindful of the negative impact that fireworks can have on veterans and others.

Professor Colin Preece, Wellbeing Manager for our Hidden Wounds team, says, “The vast majority of the veterans that we support for mental health issues tell us that they don’t like fireworks.

“It can be the bangs and the flashes, but also the smell of fireworks can be a massive trigger for them. These stimuli can remind veterans of bad moments they experienced in combat and make them relive traumatic events in their lives. It can be particularly problematic for those with PTSD.”

The Firework Heroes Code

Be mindful – think about the impact fireworks can have on people (and animals) nearby
Go to planned public fireworks displays – rather than set off fireworks at home
Give neighbours advance warning – it can be as simple as a message on a local WhatsApp or Facebook groups. If you are having fireworks at home this gives those near you the chance to create a coping strategy
Go silent – consider using the new generation of ‘silent’ fireworks
Give support – if you think someone has been affected by fireworks, make them as relaxed and as comfortable as possible and encourage them to reach out for professional help.

Former Senior Aircraftsman in the RAF, Matt Neve, explains why this code is so important: “The planned public events aren’t so bad, and the new silent fireworks are a good idea. It’s the unexpected bangs of fireworks in people’s homes or in the street that take me right back to where my trauma began and triggers my PTSD.

“Hearing them makes me fearful and angry but I also have a physical reaction as I shake and my heart races. I have to take myself out of the situation and sit somewhere quietly, take deep breaths and compose myself to bring myself back to the ‘now’.”

Many people look forward Bonfire Night and it is a big event in the calendar, but not everyone enjoys them, and that goes for pets too. ‘The Firework Heroes Code’ is a really simple way to ensure that you minimise the impact of your own event on others – so we can all feel comfortable at this time of year.

We understand that reaching out for support can be difficult. If you are a veteran or loved one and need support, we are here for you.

Festival of Politics: The Final Day

Everything that’s happening today, the final day of the Festival of Politics

Sunday 24th October

Use the links below to book your free tickets to these online discussions:

The Covid-19 decade: Understanding the long-term societal impacts

10am – 11am

Big brains for big solutions to save the world

11.30am – 12.30pm

Is the North to blame for the climate crisis?

12pm – 1pm

Why culture is key to good health and well-being

2pm – 3pm

Resilient and sustainable cities

4pm – 5pm

Prioritise Mental Health

6pm – 7pm

Explore the full programme: festivalofpolitics.scot

More than half of Scots say their attitudes towards mental health have improved in the last 10 years

Programme to tackle mental health stigma and discrimination calls on the public to ‘See Us’ and build on progress

Scots are being encouraged to join forces and build on improved public perceptions of mental health as part of a new nationwide campaign.

A survey of over 2000 Scots, including 1000 who have experienced mental health problems, found that more than half (58 per cent) say that their own perceptions of people with mental health problems have improved in the last 10 years.

The research, from See Me, Scotland’s programme to end mental health stigma and discrimination, also found 63 per cent think that perceptions of mental health had improved since the start of the pandemic.

The findings have been published today (20 October), at the launch of a new campaign – See Us – asking Scotland to keep the momentum going.

See Us encourages people from all walks of life – whether they have experience of a mental health problem or not – to join the movement to end stigma, by getting involved in events, activities and speaking up to challenge outdated stereotypes.

While attitudes have improved, See Me says big changes are still needed in people’s behaviours. The same research, which was carried out by Censuswide, found that more than two-thirds of people (71 per cent) with mental health problems surveyed have still experienced stigma or discrimination – most commonly from someone they know, including friends, people online, immediate family and work colleagues.

Stigma and discrimination often prevent people from asking for help when they need it most – and can be the difference between life and death.

See Me volunteer Osama Nadeem, from Paisley, has struggled with his mental health since primary school as a result of racist bullying.

The 22-year-old says that stigma was one of the biggest barriers he faced when it came to asking for help – but that acts of kindness, and showing support, can make a huge difference for those who are struggling.

He said: “When I was in primary seven, I remember standing in the corner of the playground, and I started to cry as it all just got to me. Two girls who were in my year came over to me, and asked what was wrong. I didn’t want to say, but they wouldn’t leave me until I told them. Them coming to me helped – and that memory sticks with me.

“No one needs to be an expert to talk about mental health. If you’re struggling, just talking about it – talking about stigma, talking about how you’re feeling – can help a lot. That’s why this campaign is so important.”

Fellow volunteer Jenn Barnes, 34, from Glasgow, joined the call for support. Jenn, who has struggled with her own mental health since her teenage years, lost her brother to suicide in 2017, and has spent the time since campaigning and raising awareness of the impact of mental health stigma and the power of speaking up.

Jenn said: “While there is more awareness of mental health now, stigma still exists – and I think a lot of people don’t even realise it. It’s really important that we get as many people as possible to back the campaign to end mental health stigma and discrimination. You can’t do it on your own. It’s like mental health in itself – you need someone there to help you. If everybody comes together, it will make things a lot easier.”

To help the people of Scotland get involved and tackle mental health stigma and discrimination, See Me has launched a new home for the social movement on their website at seemescotland.org/SeeUs, where you can access resources to help you make change.

See Me director Wendy Halliday said: “For too long tackling mental health stigma has been seen as the responsibility of those who have experienced it.

“It’s time to move past Seeing Me, the person struggling, and for everyone to stand up and say: ‘See Us, we’re making a difference together.’

“Wherever you want to make a change, and however you want to do it, there is something for you in this movement.”

Join in the conversation on social media using #SeeMeSeeUs and help others to find out about the movement.

Dragged Down By Debt

JRF Study reveals scale of debt crisis among low-income households

Number of low-income households in arrears has tripled since pandemic hit
4 in 10 working-age low-income households fell behind on bills during pandemic
Millions are behind on rent and bills and have had to take on new borrowing
JRF calls for urgent action to support low-income families through cost-of-living crisis and prevent worsening wealth inequality

A large-scale study of households on low incomes has revealed the extent of the debt crisis hanging over the UK’s poorest families as the country braces to weather a cost-of-living crisis.

The analysis by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) looks at households in the bottom 40% of incomes in the UK – those with a household income of £24,752 or less. This represents around 11.6 million households.

It estimates that 3.8 million such households are in arrears with household bills, totaling £5.2bn. 950,000 are in rent arrears; 1.4 million are behind on council tax bills; and 1.4 million are behind on electricity and gas bills. 33% of low-income households are now in arrears, which is triple the 11% estimated by a similar study prior to the pandemic.

Working-age households on low incomes (those aged 18-64) have been particularly hard hit: 44% are in arrears. For households aged 18-24 this rises to almost three-quarters (71%) of people being in arrears.

The survey shows clear signs that the profound financial impact of the pandemic has dragged families who were previously just about managing into arrears on essential bills. A large majority of households who are now behind on their household bills (87%) said that they were always or often able to pay all their bills in full and on time before the pandemic hit.

This is not surprising given people on low incomes were more likely to lose income during the pandemic due to job loss, reduced hours or being furloughed. Even before recent energy price rises began to bite, six in ten households on low incomes (62%) reported that their costs increased during the pandemic.

The other clear trend in the survey is the increased borrowing taken on by households on low incomes. Around 4.4million such households have taken on new or increased borrowing, and their total amount of borrowing comes to an estimated £9.5bn. 69% of households with new or increased borrowing are also in arrears.

The study highlights groups that have been hit particularly hard. Over half of the households in the following groups have been pulled into arrears:

Families with children (55%),
Households in London (55%),
Households with a person under 45 answering the survey (56%),
Black, Asian and minority ethnic households (58%)

Many families on low incomes are still reeling from the huge £20 per week cut to Universal Credit and Working Tax Credit earlier in the month. It is worrying that the survey was conducted in September when many of the households surveyed received the uplift which has now been removed.

Energy bills and other costs are continuing to rise, with the price of energy projected to soar further in the coming months. An increase in National Insurance contributions next April is another extra cost many working people will face.

Of the households surveyed who receive Universal Credit, 40% are not confident they will be able to pay their bills in full and on time, while 35% don’t think they will be able to avoid taking on more debt. Half (50%) of these households say they do not feel confident they can find a job or work more hours, calling into question the Government’s insistence on jobs as the only solution.

The comparison between how poorer and wealthier households have fared during the pandemic is striking. The Bank of England found that wealthier households have tended to accumulate savings during the pandemic.

These households were more likely to stay in work and to be able to work from home, reducing daily costs, and to save money during lockdown due to enforced saving. Homeowners also benefited from rising house prices.

JRF is urging the Government to put in place a package of support at the Budget to ease pressure on low-income households and prevent further debt.

As well as urging the Government to reinstate the £20 in Universal Credit, the report also recommends that the Government provide at least £500m additional grant funding via the Household Support Fund for targeted debt relief.

It is also essential to address the systemic drivers of debt including through writing off Tax Credit debts when people move onto Universal Credit and addressing Universal Credit advance repayments that many households have no option but to take on during the five-week wait for the first payment.

This flaw in the design of the benefit has long been criticised by food banks and anti-poverty groups for causing ‘destitution by design.’

Katie Schmuecker, Deputy Director for Policy & Partnerships at JRF said: “There is a debt crisis hanging over millions of families on low incomes. Behind these figures are parents gripped by anxiety, wondering how they will put food on their children’s plates and pay the gas bill; young people forced to rely on friends to help cover their rent and avoid eviction.

“While many households on higher incomes have enjoyed increased savings and rising house prices during the pandemic, people on low incomes are under serious financial pressure that shows no sign of abating. As a society, we believe in protecting one another from harm. As costs pile up and incomes have been cut, we urgently need to rethink the support in place for people at the sharp end of the cost of living crisis.

“The Budget is about priorities. We know the Chancellor is capable of taking bold action to protect people from harm when it is required. Reinstating the £20 per week increase to Universal Credit and boosting funding for councils to tackle debt must be priorities in next week’s Budget. We must give families the firm foundations they need to flourish and take part in our economic recovery.”

Dragged-down-by-debt Download

£15 million to help improve mental wellbeing in communities

A new fund has been established to help tackle the impact of social isolation, loneliness and the mental health inequalities made worse by the pandemic. The £15 million Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund aims to support adult community-based initiatives across Scotland.

Grass roots community groups and organisations will be able to benefit from the funds to deliver activities and programmes to people to re-connect and revitalise communities building on examples of good practice which have emerged throughout the pandemic.

Mental Wellbeing Minister Kevin Stewart launched the fund at Saheliya in Edinburgh, a specialist mental health and well-being support organisation for black and minority ethnic women and girls.

Mr Stewart said: “This funding reflects the importance we place on promoting good mental health and early intervention for those in distress and will help develop a culture of mental wellbeing and prevention within local communities.

“It is vital now, more than ever as we start to re-open society that we support the mental health and wellbeing of individuals. I am very keen that this benefits communities across all of Scotland.

“I was pleased to be able to visit Saheliya this morning and meet some of the people involved with running and the project, and some of the people they help.”

A range of charity-support bodies and social enterprises, known as third sector interfaces, will manage the fund in partnership with local integrated health authorities and other partners including Community Planning Partnerships and local authority mental health leads.

The Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund is part of the wider £120 million Recovery and Renewal Fund announced in February 2021 to ensure delivery of the commitments set out in the Mental Health Transition and Recovery Plan in response to the mental health need arising from the pandemic.

Penumbra: Lived and living experience should be at the heart of self-harm strategy for Scotland

Pioneering mental health charity, Penumbra, has welcomed the announcement from the Scottish Government to introduce a national strategy on self-harm.

Penumbra is a leading mental health charity which supports 2500 adults and young people each week across Scotland through a range of compassionate, recovery focussed support services including in the areas of self-harm, distress support and suicide prevention.

The charity’s pioneering non-medical approach to mental health recovery support has seen it become the leading employer of peer support colleagues within the mental health field: 20% of the charity’s colleagues are employed in peer support roles.

Penumbra has dedicated self-harm support services across Scotland: Aberdeen; Edinburgh; Dundee; South Ayrshire; North Ayrshire; Fife, and operates the Edinburgh Crisis Centre.

Stephen Finlayson is the Head of Innovation and Improvement for Penumbra and has welcomed the news: “This is a welcome announcement from the Scottish Government on plans for Scotland to become the first country in the world with a dedicated strategy to supporting people who experience self-harm.

“Currently the national picture remains fragmented and many people continue to experience stigmatised attitudes. In addition to support, there’s an urgent need for more research to really understand the factors that lead people to feel the only way to manage their emotional distress is by causing harm to themselves.

“A coherent national approach will take this a long way forward. Key to this process will be listening to and working alongside people with lived and living experience of self-harm.

“At Penumbra, we support many people who self-harm in locations across Scotland each year and we know that with good, compassionate support, there is real hope for people who self-harm. Accessing the right support at the right time is critical.”

Improving response for people at risk of suicide

Suicidal Crisis Support Action Group will drive implementation of the Time, Space and Compassion approach

A new group will be set up to make sure that everyone at risk of suicide can access the right support when then need it, following recommendations made by the National Suicide Prevention Leadership Group (NSPLG).

The Suicidal Crisis Support Action Group will drive implementation of the Time, Space and Compassion approach, a new way to improve help for people who are suicidal.

Nigel Henderson, former Chief Executive of Penumbra and member of the NSPLG, has been appointed as National Lead for Suicidal Crisis Support to lead this work.

Wellbeing Minister Kevin Stewart (above) said: “I welcome the report from the NSPLG and the recommendations it makes on improving responses to people in suicidal crisis. We will consider the recommendations in full.

“To deliver the scale of change set out in their recommendations, a dedicated Suicidal Crisis Support Action Group will be established to take forward and oversee the implementation of this work.

“The appointment of Nigel recognises his career in developing compassionate support for vulnerable people, including those at risk of suicide. The group will be accountable to ministers and continue to work in close partnership with NSPLG.

“We know there are some excellent examples of suicidal crisis support services across Scotland already, and we have an opportunity to learn from those to make sure this type of support is available right across Scotland.

“Every day, people in our communities, and those working in statutory and third sector services, are responding compassionately to people in crisis. However, there is more we can do. This report offers a real opportunity to transform how we engage and support our most vulnerable people at times of suicidal crisis.”

Nigel Henderson said: “I am very pleased to have been asked to lead on implementing this work.

“Having been a member of the NSPLG and directly involved in this work, I believe that developing the Time, Space, Compassion approach has the potential to make a positive difference to how we respond to people experiencing suicidal crisis.

“There is much to do, and I look forward to working with people, communities and organisations to take forward the recommendations.”

Scotland’s National Suicide Prevention Leadership Group (NSPLG) has welcomed the Scottish Government’s acceptance of recommendations for improvements to the response provided to people in suicidal crisis.

Established by the Scottish Government, the NSPLG brings together people with lived experience of suicide alongside academic, third sector, and statutory partners to support the delivery of Scotland’s Suicide Prevention Action Plan: Every Life Matters.

These key NSPLG recommendations have been accepted in full by the Scottish Government and will be published on their website today (Wednesday 13 October ).

The NSPLG report uses evidence on the effectiveness of differing models of crisis support to make recommendations to service providers and share best practice.

It deliberately does not recommend a particular model of crisis support. Instead, it sets out an approach which sees suicidal crisis response as a human reaction, not a service model, and sets out the principles of Time, Space and Compassion as the basis of improvement in support for those in crisis.

The recommended approach is at the core of the NSPLG’s vision in supporting delivery of Every Life Matters, ensuring the right support is available for people when they are actively contemplating suicide at a time of crisis.

Time allows a person to discuss their feelings, and Space recognises the need to provide an accessible, quiet, comfortable, pleasant place for a person to talk and/or a virtual space to access support by phone, text or online.

In addition, research shows that Compassion in response to a person in crisis encourages them to disclose details which, in turn, can lead to more effective support being offered and lay the foundations for self-compassion, reducing the need for support from frontline services in the future.

Embedding the principles of Time, Space and Compassion into responses to suicidal crisis in Scotland will require concerted action across national and local government, and services across sectors, communities and citizens.

NSPLG chair Rose Fitzpatrick CBE QPM, said: “We believe that this approach, rooted in Time, Space and Compassion, can be implemented across all sectors and communities, transforming the experiences of those in crisis and at immediate risk of suicide.

“It is important to highlight that this report is not critical of existing crisis support. Based on the experiences of those who have been in suicidal crisis and those around them, it recommends a radically different cultural landscape, and requires a different sort of resourcing to enable this approach to be implemented consistently.

“People with lived experience of the impacts of suicide and those providing services tell us these recommendations have the potential to improve the experiences of those who seek help at a time of suicidal crisis, and ultimately to save lives.”

Member of NSPLG Lived Experience Panel, Shumela Ahmed (39) from Bridge of Allan near Stirling, is the managing director at Resilience Learning Partnership. She has family and friends who have experienced poor mental health and made suicide attempts.

Shumela has also experienced suicidal thoughts herself.

She said: “I believe Time, Space and Compassion is the right approach because it’s trauma informed and it understands that it takes time to build up trust and connect with a person when they are in a suicidal crisis.

“Every interaction is an opportunity for intervention. When a person is at risk of suicide they need a compassionate response from someone who will spend time with them and offer a safe space for them to talk.

“A really kind, compassionate, empathetic human conversation is often what is actually needed rather than following some big, important framework.

“I look forward to these recommendations being implemented in workforces so that staff have the tools and the resources to take this approach.”

The NSPLG recommendations are intended to be a starting point for work in this area and they focus, in the first instance, on the practical support and evidence required to make this culture shift collaboratively, and on ensuring the availability of existing crisis services as we emerge from the pandemic.