Tag: mental health

More money for mental health

‘Mental health services are an absolute priority of this government’ – Jamie Hepburn, Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health

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An extra £85 million will be invested in improving mental health services over the next five years, the Scottish Government announced today.

The money is on top of the existing £15 million fund for mental health innovation, announced last year, making a total additional investment of £100 million over the next five years.

The fund will partly be used to further improve child and adolescent mental health (CAMHS) services, and bring down waiting times. There has been a significant increase in demand in recent years, with a 35 per cent increase in the number of young people starting treatment over the last two years. This is thought to be mainly because more people are seeking help. It will also be targeted at improving access to services, and in particular psychological therapies.

Further areas of focus will be better responses to mental health in primary care, promoting wellbeing through physical activity, and improving patient rights, which is one of the elements of the forthcoming Mental Health Bill. Third sector service providers will be key to delivering new services, and there will be a focus on innovation and providing services in community settings.

There has already been significant investment in improving mental health services. The Scottish Government has already committed to invest almost £7 million in CAMHS this year. This is in addition to the new £100 million fund.

More than £16 million has been invested specifically in developing the CAMHS workforce since 2009. Staffing levels are at an all-time high and have risen by 45 per cent since 2008.

Jamie Hepburn, Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health, said: “Mental health services are an absolute priority of this government. These are some of the most vulnerable people in our county and it’s vital that the health service is properly equipped to give them the support and treatment they need.

“We have been investing heavily for a number of years, and waiting times have come down significantly, despite an unprecedented rise in the number of people seeking help. Scotland was the first country in the UK to have a mental health waiting times target – a sign of how importantly we view this issue.

“There is still more work to be done. I’m delighted to be able to announce this £100 million investment which will make a real difference to people right across Scotland.”

Rebranding, relaunching – and receiving guests this Friday!

Living Well North Edinburgh opens it’s doors this Friday

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Living Well North Edinburgh (LWNE) is holding a rebrand launch event at their West Pilton Park home this Friday.

Join the LWNE team to celebrate the project’s brand new look – it’s a great opportunity to meet staff, volunteers and members and find out the wide range of services and activities on offer – and there’s food and refreshments too!

The fun kicks off from 12 noon – all welcome!

For further information call 343 6375.

LWNE latest newsletter

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Redhall Walled Garden Open Day

A May Date for your diary …

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Open Day – 24th May 2015

Redhall Walled Garden is holding an Open Day on Sunday 24 May from 12 – 4pm. The main focus will be around a Plant Sale.

To summarise what’s on offer :-

  • Plant Sale
  • Book Sale
  • Cream Teas
  • Historic Garden

Redhall Walled Garden

97 Lanark Road, Edinburgh EH14 2LZ

0131 443 0946

The garden is open to the public Monday- Friday 9am -3:30pm

 

To find out more about Redhall see our video on Youtube click on www.youtube.com/watch?v=VglRmOglZis  or attend our Information day on the first Wednesday of every month – phone to book.

 

Childrens services coalition urges more spending on mental health

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A coalition of children’s service providers has launched a petition, calling on the Scottish Government to plough its £25m share of additional UK Government spending on mental health services from the Budget to improve mental health services for vulnerable children and young people in Scotland.

The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition (SCSC) – members include Falkland House School, Mindroom, Spark of Genius, Who Cares? Scotland, Young Foundations and Kindred- has launched a petition on the 38 Degrees website, calling for Scotland’s share of the £250 million extra for mental health services in England announced by the UK Government in the Budget for this year (£1.25bn over the next 5 years) to go towards Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) north of the border.

Scotland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People, in evidence to the UK Joint Committee for Human Rights (JCHR) this week, raised several concerns about both access to clinical mental health services and the quality of treatment that children and young people in Scotland receive.

The petition is available to sign on the 38 Degrees website at https://you.38degrees.org.uk/p/investinmentalhealthscot

The SCSC believes that extra funding for CAMHS, which are under increasing pressure in Scotland and have seen a 60% increase in referrals over the last 2 years, could help address and improve significantly key problem areas like:

Diagnosis and treatment wait times

Half of Scotland’s Health Boards are failing to meet an 18-week Scottish Government waiting time target for treatment from CAMHS which came into force in December 2014 and five are failing to meet a 26-week target dating from March 2013.1

This is set against a background of a 10 fold increase in waiting times for those waiting more than 13 weeks to access services from 20 in December 2013 to 226 in December 2014.

An increased number of children and young people being sent to non-specialist units

According to figures from the Mental Welfare Commission (MWC) the number of children and young people being admitted to non-specialist units such as adult and paediatric wards has increased from 177 last year to 202 (174 adult and 28 paediatric) meaning that they may not be getting the appropriate support they require.2

This situation has been worsened due to a lack of inpatient beds, 42 in all of Scotland, a totally inadequate figure, reinforced by a 60% increase in the number of those being referred to CAMHS over the last two years.

There is also no secure/locked provision in Scotland for under 18s – all 3 adolescent Inpatient Psychiatric Units are open wards and there are no units for those with a severe learning disability.

Thus those with challenging behaviours and learning disabilities are oftenbeing treated in unsuitable adult or paediatric wards, or being sent miles away from their families to England, a clearly distressing situation.

SCSC Member and Director of Kindred Scotland Sophie Pilgrim said: ““We would urge people to really get behind this campaign and sign the petition to ensure that this £25m in additional funding is put into mental health services north of the border.

“At the moment mental health services in Scotland are at breaking point, with 20% of children and young people having a mental health problem in any given year, and about 10% at any one time. This is putting medical professionals are under incredible pressure, with the number of referrals for specialist child and adolescent mental health services increasing by 60% over the last two years.

“Our health professionals do fantastic work to help people suffering from mental ill health, but this is often seen as a poor relation when compared with physical health. A lack of resources in the face of dramatically increasing demand means that we are often asking medical staff to work with one hand tied behind their back.Due to a lack of adequate provision hundreds of vulnerable children and young people are being treated in unsuitable adult or paediatric wards, or being sent miles away.

 “We urge that the Scottish Government takes this opportunity to go that extra mile and ensure that we have a range of mental health services available in Scotland for those who so vitally need it.”

More funding for mental health services

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A new £15 million fund for mental health will help to fund innovation and improve services over the next three years.

Jamie Hepburn, Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health announced details of the scheme in parliament yesterday. The funding will be spread out over the next three years and will be made up of four key elements:

• An allocation to NHS boards to support increased access to child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS), and to develop new and innovative approaches to treatment
• Funding to NHS Education Scotland to further develop the quality of CAMHS through improved training
• Work with partners and boards to develop better ways of helping people in distress – including those who are at risk of self harm or suicide
• Money to work with boards and partners to develop new ways of working with people with mental health problems in primary care settings

The £15 million innovation fund was first announced in November last year and the details have now been confirmed.

Mr Hepburn announced the details during a parliamentary debate of the Mental Health Bill. This bill, which successfully passed its stage one process yesterday, looks to amend legislation so that is works as well as possible for service users. It also introduces a Victim Notification Scheme for victims of mentally disordered offenders in a way that respects the rights of both victims and vulnerable offenders.

Jamie Hepburn said: “Expenditure on mental health is around £896 million in Scotland, but this additional funding will allow us to do more. It will enable us to find more creative and innovative ways to help people with mental health problems, whether they are going to their GP for the first time, or experiencing severe distress.

“I am particularly pleased to be able to announce that some of this funding will be used to improve access to child and adolescent mental health services, and to improve training in this area.

“We’ve made significant progress in this area in recent years, with a substantial improvement in waiting times and a record number of people working in the field. But there is an increasing number of referalls as more young people feel able to ask for help. That is a good thing, but also brings challenges. Through the innovation fund we will be able to find better ways of helping these vulnerable young people.”

Let’s talk about Dementia

DementiaSTARTING this month, Alzheimer Scotland – Action on Dementia is launching a Let’s Talk about Dementia campaign. The campaign aims to open up more discussion on the subject of dementia and to raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis.

Stigma, negative perceptions of people with dementia and perceptions that there is little or no help available are some of the reasons which prevent people from seeking help sooner rather than later. The negative perceptions also create fear and worry meaning that many families avoid talking about dementia.

The worry that you or someone close to you may have dementia is one of the most difficult conversations we may have. The Let’s Talk about Dementia campaign hopes to raise awareness and get families talking to each other and medical professionals so that more people living with dementia can get the help and support they need in place to ensure they have the best quality of life possible.

Alzheimer Scotland’s Let’s Talk about Dementia campaign will offer detailed information, support on the organisation’s website (www.alzscot.org/conversation) and via the Dementia Helpline (0808 808 3000) which is free to call and available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Alzheimer Scotland will be promoting the campaign on radio, in print and through social media (Facebook and Twitter). Social media is particularly important, as these difficult conversations are often intergenerational; involving partners, adult children, grandchildren, other family members and beyond. We want people to share their own experiences of these often difficult conversations and if, in hindsight, they would have handled things differently. Alzheimer Scotland will also be sharing real life case studies, information and advice via its Facebook page and Twitter feed.

www.facebook.com/AlzheimerScotland

www.twitter.com/alzscot

“I wish I’d trusted my instincts about dad earlier. Got us to sit down as a family and discuss it. If I had the chance again, that’s what I’d do.” Ian

“I knew there was something wrong with me and I kept asking questions until I found out what it was. My family and friends have been wonderful – they support me in so many ways and I’m glad I can talk openly to them. Nobody should have to face dementia alone. Never be afraid to ask: ask people, ask questions and ask for help.” Anne

“Nobody’s happy to get a diagnosis of dementia, but it was so much better than the not-knowing. It gave mum, and me, a way of dealing with the changes that were happening in her life.” Donna

Breathing Space Day: stay connected

Breathing Space Day 2 (1)HAVING good relationships with friends, family or the wider community is important for mental wellbeing. The message to ‘stay connected’ with friends and loved ones will mark national Breathing Space Day on  Sunday 1 February. 

The annual awareness day is promoted by Breathing Space, Scotland’s mental health phoneline, and is supported by Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health, Jamie Hepburn MSP and a number of national organisations.

Tony McLaren, Breathing Space National Coordinator, explained: “Social connections can improve feelings of self-worth, happiness and self-confidence. Relationships and friendships can have a huge positive impact on a person’s sense of wellbeing. Go for that coffee, phone that relative you’ve been meaning to catch up with – talking things through and making that connection can help relieve worries and stresses in your life. Even doing something like volunteering in your local area can improve your sense of connectedness.”

The campaign is being promoted with a touring van featuring prominent messaging supporting the ‘stay connected’ theme.

Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health, Jamie Hepburn MSP, said: “Looking after our mental health and wellbeing is crucial. Making space and time for the people that make us happy is one of the best ways of looking after our own mental wellbeing.

“The Breathing Space telephone advice line provides an invaluable service for people experiencing low mood, depression and anxiety. It can make such a difference to know that there’s someone there who is willing to listen and offer a sympathetic ear. I’d like to thank the Breathing Space call handlers for the tremendous work they do on a daily basis.”

Coffee mornings, conversations cafes, walks, yoga sessions, football tournaments and relaxation classes are just some of the activities taking place for Breathing Space Day. 

Community Football Manager at Elgin City FC Robbie Hope said: “I welcome the opportunity to work with Breathing Space and Moray Community Health and Social Care Partnership to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing in Moray.

“As a football club we recognise the importance of keeping mentally as well as physically fit. There is a clear link between being physically active and mental health. The more active we are the better mental health we have. We would encourage everyone in Moray to look after their mental health and wellbeing by supporting Breathing Space Day and by getting active, and staying connected with family, friends and people in the community.”

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Clegg launches search for Mental Health Heroes

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The Deputy Prime Minister is calling on people to nominate unsung mental health heroes in their local area as part of his campaign to raise awareness of mental health problems.

One in four people will experience a mental health problem this year but for many the stigma and discrimination that surrounds mental health will make it harder for them to speak out and seek the support they need. That’s why the Deputy Prime Minister is calling for nominations for local Mental Health Heroes to celebrate those from every region – from healthcare professionals to next door neighbours – who have gone above and beyond to help, support or inspire people with mental health conditions.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said:

It could be the woman sitting next to you on the bus, the dad picking his child up at the school gates or a colleague from work – everyone knows someone living with a mental health problem.

I want to celebrate those who have gone that extra mile, whose passion and commitment have helped someone get through their darkest days and helped challenge the taboo around mental health which has existed for far too long.

It is my ambition to bring mental health out of the shadows and create a fairer society where people can speak up about how they feel and get the support and treatment they need to live the life that they choose.

To nominate someone complete and return the nomination form.

The winning nominees will be invited to a ceremony in London on Thursday 5 February, which will mark Time to Change’s ‘Time to Talk Day’ to encourage people to speak out about mental health and spread the message that mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of.

Norman Lamb, Care and Support Minister, said:

Mental illness touches us all and, everyday, people in our communities are doing amazing things to improve the lives of those affected. We want to recognise and reward them.

I am determined to end discrimination faced by people with mental illness, which us why we’re continuing to fund Time to Change and support Time to Talk Day. Everyone has a part to play in tackling stigma and this is an important opportunity to start the conversations that will make lasting change.

The awards are part of the Deputy Prime Minister’s ongoing work to bring awareness and treatment for of mental health in line with physical health. In Government he has helped build a strong foundation for the improvement of mental health services, securing:

  • The UK’s first Mental Health Taskforce to combine the efforts and resources of ministers from across the Coalition
  • £400m investment expanding talking therapies
  • £150m investment in treatment and support for children and young adults with eating disorders
  • £120m investment in mental health to include the introduction in April 2015 of the first ever waiting time standards for mental health in the NHS
  • £54m for the Children and Young People’s Improving Access to Psychological Therapies programme
  • £7m investment to fund 50 new inpatient beds for children and young people.

If you would like to nominate someone for the Deputy Prime Minister’s Local Mental Health Hero Award complete the nomination form.

Closing date for applications is Tuesday 27 January

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We are looking for people who are changing lives through one or more of the following:

  • Helping to break the stigma around mental health.
  • Inspiring others in addressing or overcoming mental health problems.
  • Making it easier for people to access mental health support and advice
  • Supporting people experiencing mental health problems to stay in or return to work
  • Pioneering new or innovative ways of supporting people with mental health problems and/or their families.

Statistics on mental health:

  • 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year
  • 3 children in every classroom have a diagnosable mental health condition
  • Only a quarter of people with a common mental health problem get treatment, mostly in the form of medication
  • 2.3 million people with a mental health condition are out of work and mental health conditions are the primary reason for claiming health related benefits.
  • OECD estimated that mental ill-health costs the economy an estimated GBP 70 billion a year, equivalent to 4.5% of GDP, through lost productivity, social benefits and health care.
  • The most common mental health problem is depression which is experienced by 8 to 12% of the population.