mental health – Page 32 – The NEN

Staying mentally healthy while working from home

12 tips from SAMH

Working from home, especially during extended periods can be difficult to adjust to. For many of us, it means learning how to manage our different areas of work under new circumstances.

While we all experience and learn to adapt to new situations and environments differently, there are some challenges that we are all facing.

We’ve put together some top tips on how to get the most out of working from home while looking after yourself and your mental health.

Create your morning routine

Create a morning routine that brings you up until the moment you begin work for the day. It may sound trivial, but this helps you mentally prepare for the day ahead and get into the “I’m going to work” mindset.

You probably have a routine when you get to work, so creating a routine at home is also a good idea.

It could be making a cup of coffee. It might be returning home after a jog, or doing some mindfulness sessions. It could be getting dressed (although it may be tempting to stay in your pyjamas, it may not be the best look for those video conference calls!).

Whatever it is, setting yourself up for the day can improve your state of mind and psychologically prepare you to start work.

Why not try mindfulness or meditation to get your morning started: Headspace – Weathering the Storm.

2. Establish boundaries

It is easy to lose track of time when working from home, so set a schedule, and stick to it…where you can.

Having clear guidelines for when to start work and when to call it a day helps maintain your life-work balance. Aim to start and finish at your normal working times.

We know that those in self-isolation, who have childcare or other caring responsibilities, may need to be more flexible in the times they might work. For example, you may need to switch to some evening work so you can spend time with children during the day. Speak to your line manager about agreeing a new temporary work schedule.

3. Create your own workspace

Although it’s tempting to head to your sofa with a laptop, you’re may find setting up a work area helps you stay focused. If you can, try to set aside a specific area or space where you can work. If you don’t have a desk, use a table or worktop.

Besides making you feel like you’re at an “office,” this helps you maintain good posture, avoid distractions, and mentally leave your work behind at the end of the day. The NHS advice is that you should adjust your chair so you can use the keyboard with your wrists and forearms straight and level with the floor.

4. Set ground rules with the people you share your space with

There might be other people in your home during these exceptional times. They may be working from home too or self-isolating. You may all need to share a limited amount of space so it’s important to set some ground rules. For example, when you need access to a certain area of your home; or designated times for ‘quiet time’.

Working with limited childcare options

With schools and nurseries closed, you may find yourself needing to come up with new routines not only for your working life, but within your personal life for your children or siblings. Talk to your employer or manager about potential flexible working opportunites at your place of work. You may want to consider the following:

Are the children old enough so you can still continue to work?
Can someone supervise the children some of the time?
Can you alter your working times?
Do I want to consider using some annual leave to spend time with children?

If children are at home, then try set some ground rules. Have clear rules about what they can and cannot do during that time, when they can come and speak to you and when you need left alone.

We also know that many schools have reminded parents not to set unrealistic expectations or goals. Its important parents take time to look after themselves too. If you are social care staff or co-parent with someone classed as a key worker, your children may still be able to go to school. Follow the Government’s most up to date advice.

5. Take breaks

Remember to take normal breaks, including your lunch break. Get up and move about, go for a short walk or make a coffee. Try setting a timer or alarm on your computer screen or mobile phone to remind you to take a break.

6. Connect with colleagues

Loneliness, disconnect, and isolation are common problems in remote work life, especially in the current uncertain and worrying situation. Making the effort to speak to your colleagues regularly can make a difference.

Conference calls, Zoom, Skype, and Microsoft Teams are all examples of how you can keep connected. Try to pick up the phone for a real conversation rather than relying on email or instant messaging all day. Video calls in particular can help you still feel connected to your colleagues.

7. Get some fresh air when you can

For those who need to self-isolate, opening the window may help you get as much fresh air as possible. Try to choose a spot with lot of natural light to work if you can.

Follow Government advice and do some exercise outside, even a short walk can benefit you both mentally and physically. Make sure to keep a distance from others when outside and be sure to wash your hands as soon as you return home.

8. Drink plenty of water

People get dehydrated when they sit, and if you’re heating is still on in your home, then you’ll need the extra water to keep yourself physically and mentally healthy.

To ensure that you are consuming a sufficient amount of water, keep bottles of water handy to make sure you drink your recommended 1.5-2 litres per day. You can also download apps on smartphone or tablet to remind you to drink regularly.

9. Stand up and stretch

Sitting all day isn’t healthy even if you’re at the office, but working from home means you skip your commute and have fewer reasons to get up from your chair throughout the day.

If it’s possible in the area you have set up for home working, try standing up to do your work for a change of pace. Standing uses more muscles and burns more calories than sitting and it’s good for your back and posture.

If you can’t stand and work, stretching is vital for maintaining good posture, especially when working at a desk for several hours a day. Try standing up every 30 minutes or so to stretch your chest and extend your spine to reverse the hunched position of sitting.

Standing and stretching can also help to reduce back and neck pain. Here are some suggestions to help you move and be mindful: a

seated yoga workout: from the NHS
Desk workout: 10 stretches to help ease aches and pains

10. Listen to music

If you find working from home to be a little too quiet, you miss the buzz of the office and find it difficult to focus, listen to music, turn on the radio, or put the TV on quietly in the background

11. End your day with a routine

Just like you should start your day with a routine, create a habit that signals the close of the workday. You might have a simple routine such as shutting down your computer and turning on a favourite podcast, or writing the next day’s to-do list.

Whatever you choose, do it consistently to mark the end of working hours. Put your work away or shut your laptop so you know you are back in your personal home time and place.

12. Reflect on your mental health

Ensure you take time to reflect on and try to be mindful of your mental health. Look out for changes in your feelings, practice self-care and be aware of any triggers or symptoms surrounding your mental health.

Make sure you keep in touch with support networks, even a text, phone call or video chat can make a difference.

For more ways to protect your mental health during these challenging times, check out our online information hub: www.samh.org.uk/coronavirus.

Emergency Services: Together Let’s Care for your Mental Health

NHS 24, Police Scotland and the Scottish Ambulance Service are working together to support mental health and wellbeing for people across Scotland during the Festive Season.

After a year like no other for the people of Scotland and our NHS and emergency services, the Together Let’s Care for your Mental Health campaign aims to raise awareness of a range of mental health information and services that support mental health.

The three organisations have been working together to develop new ways to support people in mental health distress when they contact the services.

People calling Police Scotland in mental health distress may now be offered access to the NHS Mental Health Hub service. The Scottish Ambulance Service is also able to support some callers through a similar pathway.

Under the banner ‘Together Let’s Care for your Mental Health’ the partners are able to signpost to a range of self-help guides and options for further support. Online information is available for a range of day to day concerns such as anxiety, depression, young people’s mental health needs, alcohol, gambling and drug use.

NHS 24 offers a range of online mental health guides through NHSinform.scot as well as the 111 Mental Health Hub and Breathing Space’s telephone and web chat services.

Vicky Burnham, Consultant Paramedic in Dementia and Clinical Lead for Mental Health with the Scottish Ambulance Service, said: “We have been faced with many different challenges this year as a result of Covid-19 and all key workers have gone above and beyond, providing exceptional care throughout the year during an unprecedented global pandemic.

“With social interactions being limited as a result of restrictions this year, it’s vital that health care providers and emergency services are able to provide additional support to those who require help related to anxiety, depression, young people’s mental health needs, alcohol, gambling and drug use.

“We look forward to working alongside our colleagues at Police Scotland and NHS24 to ensure we continue to provide the very best care to patients across Scotland.”

Stephanie Phillips, Director of Service Delivery, NHS 24 said: “”We are pleased to be working together with Police Scotland and the Scottish Ambulance Service to provide the best possible outcomes for people in mental health distress.

“We know this Festive Season is going to be very different for everyone and many people will feel more anxious than usual. Our online resources are a good place to look for the first steps to support and self-care. If you need help now there are a range of services available to you. Our team are here to help those getting in touch with our services with a compassionate response.”

Tony McLaren, National Coordinator for Breathing Space said: “We know that this time of year can be a particularly poignant and difficult time for some. This year there will be many people who are facing bereavement, anxiety and stress, perhaps for the first time.

“Talking about how you feel, and being listened to, can make all the difference. Our Breathing Space advisors are here to listen and respond when you need someone to support you.”

Assistant Chief Constable, Police Scotland, Gary Ritchie said: “It is the challenge of all in public service to ensure that when people need help, they get it at the right time from the most appropriate agency.

“This is why we have strengthened our work with NHS and SAS colleagues, to make sure that those callers who are suffering mental ill health can now be referred directly to a qualified health professional. We will never step away from people in crisis where they have nowhere else to turn.”

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New mental health gym launched

Soul Sanity – the UK’s online mental health gym – has launched, supporting members to focus on improving their mental health from the comfort of their own homes.

The membership-based service offers a range of activities that are scientifically proven to relieve stress and anxiety, improve mindfulness and encourage the release of the “feel good” hormone dopamine.

Holly Novick, Founder, said: “There are so many gyms out there for your physical health but nothing that focuses specifically on your mental health.

“Soul Sanity is truly unique in that way. It was something I personally felt I needed during a time of grief. I needed an outlet to feel better but all I got was fist-pumping music lifting weights, one to one therapy sessions which I found difficult to open up in and suggestions for tablets which I thought could be a slippery road.

“I also didn’t want to mask how I was feeling, I knew my body was acting this way as a signal because something was wrong. I needed a fix not a quick fix so Soul Sanity’s really been an idea in the making for a while and coincidently the pandemic has hit at the same time perhaps making it the perfect storm”.

Unlike other platforms, all sessions are broadcast live, with a large variety available to participate in including:

Mindfulness – To relax the senses, reset and unwind
Art for Art’s Sake – Finding new ways to express creativity
Mastermind – Focus on learning new skills from languages to chess
Kid’s Corner – Fun and educational activities to enjoy with children
Food Glorious Food – Connecting through the power of food
Musical Genius – Mood-boosting music sessions, from guitar to singing
Garden Life – Connecting with nature in our own back garden
Tender, Love & Care (TLC) – Online support from qualified psychotherapists

Anyone can join soulsanity.co.uk with a one-month free trial on offer at soulsanity.co.uk/memberships. Gift cards are also available to share with loved ones during the festive season and throughout the year.

Together Let’s Care for your Mental Health this Festive Season

You’re not alone with your mental health. We’re here to help you.

NHS 24, Police Scotland and the Scottish Ambulance Service are working together to support mental health and wellbeing for people across Scotland ahead of the Festive Season 2020.

After a year like no other for the people of Scotland and our NHS and emergency services, the Together Let’s Care for your Mental Health campaign aims to raise awareness of a range of mental health information and services that support mental health.

The three organisations have been working together to develop new ways to support people in mental health distress when they contact the services.

NHS 24 offers a range of online mental health guides through NHSinform.scot as well as the 111 Mental Health Hub and Breathing Space’s telephone and web chat services.

Stephanie Phillips, Director of Service Delivery, NHS 24 said: “We are pleased to be working together with Police Scotland and the Scottish Ambulance Service to provide the best possible outcomes for people in mental health distress.

“Talking about how you feel, and being listened to, can make all the difference. Our Breathing Space advisors are here to listen and respond when you need someone to support you.”

“We look forward to working alongside our colleagues at Police Scotland and NHS24 to ensure we continue to provide the very best care to patients across Scotland.”

Tackling social isolation and loneliness

Funding promotes inclusion and wellbeing

Almost £6 million in funding will provide friendship and human connection to people at risk of social isolation and loneliness over the winter months.

Part of the Scottish Government’s £100 million winter package to support people, the funding will ensure services such as wellbeing calls, befriending support, advice and volunteering are maintained and extended over winter.

Through the Connecting Scotland programme, an extra £4.3 million will help 5,000 older people to get online, and around 200 families to maintain contact with a loved one in prison custody, through digital devices and internet access.

More than £1.6 million will go to organisations providing key helplines, for groups such as older people and victims of domestic abuse. Over £900,000 will go to various other projects across Scotland supporting people of all ages affected by social isolation and loneliness.

Equalities Minister Christina McKelvie said: “Living through an extended period of not spending time with our friends and loved ones has been painful for everyone, but extremely damaging for some and we know that many people will find the upcoming festive period particularly hard.

“The events of this year have reaffirmed our commitment to tackling social isolation and loneliness as a serious public health issue.

“That’s why part of our Winter Plan for Social Protection will have a specific focus on addressing this across society. In particular among older people, disabled people, the young LGBTI community, care-leavers, and women and girls at risk from violence and abuse.

The charity Generations Working Together will receive £76,200 to continue connecting care home residents with their families and younger people in the community.

Chief Executive Officer Alison Clyde said: “We provide support and training to care home staff to ensure residents are connected with loved ones, as well as young people from the local community.

“Participants share their skills and life experiences, learn together whilst making new friends and most importantly have fun. This also helps to break down intergenerational barriers – vital in tackling ageism and reducing loneliness and isolation.”

Shared Care Scotland will receive £80,000 for its Time to Live grant scheme for unpaid carers.

Chief Executive Don Williamson said: “Ongoing restrictions continue to have a significant impact on carers, many of whom are unable to access their usual forms of support.

“Accessing a short break through a Time to Live grant can make a huge difference to a carer’s health and wellbeing, helping them recharge their batteries and sustaining them through the winter months.”

YouthLink Scotland will receive £150,000 to allocate small grants to local grassroots youth work.

Chief Executive Officer Tim Frew said: “Some young adults face uncertainty around their future job prospects and struggle to cope with the restrictions. This funding will enable us to direct youth work support to where it is needed the most, boosting young people’s interaction with others and promoting positive mental wellbeing.”

In addition to the £5.91 million from the winter support package, the Scottish Government has also provided £1.16 million funding over the course of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic to organisations who tackle isolation and loneliness through local projects, intergenerational learning and phone helplines.

Our National Assistance Helpline, connected to all Local Authorities, remains in place to support people and provide advice when they need it.

In addition to those mentioned above, organisations to receive funding include: Befriending Networks (£100,000), BEMIS/Ethnic Minority Resilience Network (£100,00), Scottish Mens’ Sheds Association (£100,000), Chest Heart Stroke Scotland (£75,000), Glasgow Disability Alliance and other national disability organisations (£120,000).

Coorie in for Christmas!

Please find attached a copy of our “Coorie in for Christmas” booklet that we partnered with Health in Mind to produce.

Recognising that Christmas and New Year can be a difficult time of year and that we also face new challenges, unknowns and stresses over the festive period from coronavirus, we’ve focused on the Scottish concept of ‘coorie’ as a way to help us look after our mental health and wellbeing this winter.

This booklet focuses on the things we can all do to look after our mental health and wellbeing in our homes, whilst also encouraging us to get outside and embrace the benefits of nature. It also includes a range of support and helpful contacts.

There is more information about mental health and support available all year round on iThrive Edinburgh and that online space will be kept up to with support available during the festive period and on Christmas Day in Edinburgh.

Please do share the booklet across your networks.

Coorie-in-Online-Booklet-1 Download

With best wishes

Linda

Dr Linda Irvine Fitzpatrick

Strategic Programme Manager, NHS Lothian

COVID: Headteachers need “tangible support, not just words” from Scottish Government

Headteachers and Depute Headteachers from across Scotland have shared their extreme disappointment at the Scottish Government’s decision not to allow schools to move to remote learning as a means of protecting the health of staff, pupils and their families in the final week before Christmas.

A meeting of the EIS Headteacher (HT) and Depute Headteacher (DHT) Network, held on Friday, heard first-hand testimony from HTs and DHTs over the severe additional workload pressure that has been placed on school management teams as a result of COVID contact tracing requirements whenever a pupil or staff member tests positive for the virus.

Headteacher and Network Convener Lorraine McBride said, “The COVID pandemic has had a severe impact in our schools and has created huge stresses on everyone within our communities.

“Quite apart from the impact on the physical health of many teachers and students, there has also been a severe impact on their mental health and wellbeing. Added to this has been the huge additional workload burden generated by the demands of the contract tracing system, which frequently interrupts weekend and evenings on top of taking up swathes of time during the school day that should be being spent on other essential priorities.”

“Whenever there is a positive case linked to a school, this creates a demand on SMTs to quickly track, trace and isolate every pupil and staff member who has come into close contact with the infected person. This is additional workload, over and above the many usual demands on SMT’s time, and it has been imposed upon us with little or nothing in the way of tangible support.”

Ms McBride continued, “It is concrete support that we need – not just fine words from the Scottish Government or our employers telling us how much they appreciate us. Many HTs and DHTs have been left absolutely devastated by the Scottish Government’s decision not to allow schools to close their buildings early and move to remote learning in the final week before Christmas.

“This decision means that, where positive cases are identified late, SMTs may be expected to deliver or support contact tracing work over the Christmas period. The Scottish Government’s decision also significantly increases the risk of pupils and staff taking the virus into their homes, or into the homes of potentially vulnerable family members, during the festive period.”

Ms McBride added, “All we we’re asking for was for school buildings to close a few days early, in order to protect us all and our families. Education would have continued via remote learning and we were absolutely not asking for extra holidays, as has been falsely claimed elsewhere.

“In failing to take a small, common sense, step to protect teachers, pupils and their families, the Scottish Government is risking what little goodwill remains amongst a teaching profession that has been worn down to the point of physical and mental exhaustion over this past year.”

Scots urged to stay active to boost winter immune systems

FAMILIES across the nation have been encouraged to lead an active lifestyle this Christmas by walking once a day.

Scotland’s walking charity, Paths for All have highlighted the importance of a daily walk to help maintain physical and mental well-being during the winter months.

The plea comes as the charity launches its Walk Once a Day this Winter campaign, and a new online content hub for all ages to benefit from.

The hub provides a variety of ideas, activities and information designed to motivate everyone to get outdoors and get moving including nature spotting, podcast recommendations, location advice, community and festive walks and creative walking.

The winter initiative will also offer incentives to those who pledge to walk once a day through December and January.

Dr Gregor Smith, Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer, said: “Regular walking is a powerful tonic. It helps to boost our immune system and those of us able to should strive to get the benefit this winter.

“A 30-minute daily walk is one of the best ways to look after yourself and it’s something we can do from our own front door.

“During periods of physical distancing, isolation and uncertainty, many have expressed increased feelings of anxiety, stress or worry. Daily outdoor exercise, while adhering to guidelines, is an important way to improve physical and mental wellbeing.

“We would encourage those who are able to get outdoors this winter to do so, even if it is for a short walk to the shop or to school.”

Research shows that half a million older people regularly experience periods of isolation, going at least five or six days a week without seeing or speaking to anyone at all.

Getting out for a daily walk allows interaction with neighbours, others in the community and can create a sense of connection and community belonging, even while social distancing.

Dr William Bird, founder of Intelligent Health and the Beat the Street game said: “Walk Once a Day this winter is such a simple but effective message.

“When I talk to patients on a day-to-day basis, most of them ask for advice on how to avoid getting COVID-19 or how they can improve their chances of fighting it if they do catch it.

“Walking is always one of the best things that people can do for their health, however during these times of COVID-19, it’s more vital than ever. When you go for a brisk walk, this stimulates the creation of ‘natural killer cells’ which are part of the immune system. They sit at the nasal cavity and are ready to mop up any virus including COVID-19 and kill it before it has a chance to replicate and get into the cells.

“Not only that, but walking in green space and nature has a positive impact on the brain also reduces stress and its negative impact on the immune system.”

UK-wide research by King’s College London during lockdown revealed 49% of people in the UK have felt more anxious or depressed than normal, with walking shown to be an effective method to prevent and manage mental health conditions.

Paths for All believes regular walking is key to leading a happy and healthy life – and it is important for people to continue enjoying short, local walks where it is safe and appropriate to do so, owing to the huge array of associated benefits.

Ian Findlay CBE, Chief Officer at Paths for All said: “Walking has never held such importance to our physical, social and mental health, so it is great to see walking has become more popular over the last few months.

“Surveys have shown that Scots have increased their walking during this unprecedented time more than any other part of the UK and we would encourage everyone to keep it up as we move into the winter months.

“We believe by encouraging people to walk everyday they will experience many positive physical, social and mental health benefits and in turn we will move forward from this pandemic as a healthier, greener, safer and happier nation”.

Follow the campaign over on Paths for All social media channels #WalkOnceADay.

Paths for All launched a mood-boosting podcast designed using mindfulness techniques to help people look after their mental well-being whilst getting their daily exercise during Covid-19.

Mind to Walk is freely available online on all popular podcast players or on Paths for All website at www.pathsforall.org.uk/mindtowalk

Paths for All’s focus is clear: it wants to get Scotland walking: everyone, every day, everywhere.

For more information on Paths for All and the Walk Once a Day this Winter campaign, visit: http://www.pathsforall.org.uk/walkonceaday

1) https://search.proquest.com/openview/a135652dfd323433cc441d41284f3a82/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=2041038

Mental health emergency warning

More than 1,000 children have been waiting more than a year for treatment

The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition (SCSC), an alliance of leading independent and third sector providers of children’s services, has warned of a “mental health emergency” as new figures indicate that more than 1,000 children and young people have been waiting more than a year for mental health treatment.

The figures from Public Health Scotland also indicate that only one Scottish health board is meeting the Scottish Government’s waiting time target of 18 weeks from referral to treatment over the quarter to September 2020 and two out of five are not being seen within this 18 week target.¹

The SCSC has called on the Scottish Government to redouble its efforts and for a “national crusade” to tackle this emergency as the number of referrals return to pre-lockdown levels.

It has also backed calls by the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland that £145 million from additional £1.1 billion COVID-19 funding granted in the autumn be applied to mental health services.

While 4,032 children and young people were treated over the period July to September 2020 by child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS), only 60.6 per cent were seen within the 18-week waiting target and only one health board, NHS Ayrshire and Arran met this target.

The report also highlights that in September 2020, 1,060 children and young people had been waiting more than a year for treatment, up from 632 on the same point last year.³In addition, 365 had been waiting over a year prior to treatment compared with 220 in the same quarter the previous year.

The SCSC has warned that mental health services will face an overwhelming and unprecedented pressure due to pent-up demand created by the COVID-19 lockdown, coupled with a cut in youth support services. This could potentially lead to a “lost generation” of vulnerable children and young people who are missing out on the support they vitally need.

It has called reiterated its call for a “national crusade”, with the Scottish Government working closely with authorities, including the third and independent sectors, and investing significantly in mental health services. The coalition has also urged that greater awareness is made of the services on offer, especially those at a community level.

The SCSC has warned that self-isolation and social distancing have had an impact on young people struggling with issues such as anxiety and depression. It has noted that even the most resilient children are going to need additional support as they navigate this transition back into whatever is the new normal, and some will need a lot of extra support.

A spokesperson for the SCSC commented: “These latest figures are deeply troubling and point to a highly challenging environment for both our young people and our mental health services.

“While referrals are beginning to return to pre-lockdown levels, it is vital that children and families are provided with the support they so desperately need, especially given the impact of the pandemic on mental health. The fact that more than 1,000 of our most vulnerable children have been waiting more than a year for treatment in this respect is deeply troubling.

“We would urge the Scottish Government to look to not just the NHS, but the third sector and other independent organisations to play a key role in this. Our mental health services must receive the funding they vitally need or we face a ‘lost generation’ of vulnerable children and young people.”

Waiting times (with adjustments) for people who started their treatment from July to September 2020, by NHS Board of treatment:

Health board	Total number seen	% seen within 18 weeks
NHS Island boards	62	83.9%
NHS Dumfries & Galloway	95	88.4%
NHS Ayrshire & Arran	233	91.9%
NHS Lanarkshire	248	62.1%
NHS Lothian	518	59.5%
NHS Grampian	343	85.7%
NHS Fife	274	63.9%
NHS Forth Valley	182	40.1%
NHS Borders	32	71.9%
NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde Valley	1,451	47.6%
NHS Highland	198	74.2%
NHS Tayside	396	57.8%
NHS Scotland	4,032	60.6%

The number of young people waiting for Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in Lothian has dramatically increased since March this year.

The number of young people waiting 0-18 weeks for mental health support has dropped from 1,223 in March to 963 in September this year. The number of young people waiting over a year to be seen for mental health support has risen from 381 in March earlier this year, to 581 in September, an increase from 14.8% to 21% of young people having to wait over a year.

Waits for young peoples mental health support have been growing over the last two years, but have significantly increased over the last 6 months since Covid-19.

At the start of this year NHS Lothian invested £3 million to hire 40 extra staff including, clinical psychologists, registered nurses and occupational therapists

In September this year Edinburgh Council and Midlothian Council, in partnership with MYPAS, announced pilot schemes for counsellors to be place in schools for this academic year.

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “In Edinburgh and the Lothians we were already facing a mental health crisis for young people, which has only got worse since Covid-19.

“Young people having to wait over a year to be seen for mental health support is very distressing for the person who is note getting the support they need and their family.

“CAMHS staff work tirelessly to provide invaluable mental health support, but they must be further supported by SNP Ministers and NHS Lothian to meet the high demand for their services.

“Remote mental health support is not the right solution for everybody, but where appropriate this must be fully utilised to reach and support as many young people as possible.

“SNP Ministers have been in charge of our health service for over 13 years, during which time mental health service waiting times for young people have got significantly longer.”

¹Public Health Scotland, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services: Waiting Times in Scotland, Quarter Ending 30^th September 2020 – Full Report (PDF link), 1^st December 2020, p.5. Available at: https://beta.isdscotland.org/find-publications-and-data/conditions-and-diseases/mental-health/child-and-adolescent-mental-health-services-camhs-waiting-times/

(accessed 1^st December 2020).

Edinburgh College provides free training to support businesses and staff

Edinburgh College is providing businesses across Edinburgh and the Lothians an opportunity to access training aimed at promoting positive mental health among all employees.

Recent research conducted by the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH), published last week, shows that 50% of people with mental health problems have reported their mental health has been worse in the last few weeks than at the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

And while this statistic cannot be solely attributed to the isolation caused by the mass shift to home and remote working, employers do have a responsibility to ensure their teams have a work environment which is healthy for all.

Indeed, a recent study carried out in the United States by FlexJobs and Mental Health America (MHA) found that 75% of workers have experienced burnout in 2020, with 40% citing it as a direct result of the coronavirus pandemic with ongoing remote working appearing to be a contributing factor.

Edinburgh College’s Training and Development team is utilising financial support from the Scottish Government to offer free Mental Health and Resilience courses to businesses across Edinburgh and the Lothians to support their employees’ mental health – both inside and outside of the workplace.

Through the Flexible Workforce Development Fund, staff of all levels from firms of varying sizes can participate in courses including: Mental Health Awareness; Mental Health for Managers; Building Resilience; Understanding Depression and Anxiety, among many others. Bespoke training packages comprising elements from various courses can also be created to meet clients’ needs.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, these courses would have been delivered on campus or at client offices, however the College’s Training and Development team has adapted to deliver courses via Zoom and Microsoft Teams – following the launch of its Virtual Professional Training Prospectus.

Edinburgh College has delivered 200 mental health training sessions in 2020. Since the start of term 2020/21 – August 2020 – 765 students have enrolled on mental health courses.

Edinburgh College Head of Commercial Jane Grant said: “Positive mental health is vital in all settings, including the workplace.

“Our team of expert trainers and lecturers are here to deliver training to support employers and employees in maintaining positive mental health across the organisation, particularly in the current times where teams and individuals are working in new and remote circumstances.”

Find out more about the Flexible Workforce Development Fund

Edinburgh College’s Training and Development team is holding an event to showcase the free training and development opportunities available to thousands of businesses across Edinburgh and the Lothians.

The virtual event will give businesses an introduction to the Flexible Workforce Development Fund (FWDF) – a fund which apprenticeship levy-paying businesses across the public, private and third sectors, can access to secure a wide range of training courses to help them to upskill and reskill their staff.

The event, which is taking place online via Zoom, is being held on Tuesday 1 December 2020 from 8.30-9.15am.

The College’s Training and Development team will deliver a short presentation on the fund before engaging in a question and answer session. Delegates will also hear from Kelly Cunningham of East Lothian Care and Accommodation Project (ELCAP) who will talk about her experience of utilising the FWDF to upskill and reskill her team.

Through the FWDF, businesses can apply for varying levels of funding towards training for their employees – up to £15k for apprenticeship levy-payers, and up to £5k for SMEs. This funding can be used by businesses of all different types.

Register your place for the Virtual Flexible Workforce Development Fund event here:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/flexible-workforce-development-fund-event-tuesday-1-december-2020-tickets-129470918001