Leading homebuilders have unveiled two new Breathing Space benches at a development in Edinburgh
Cala Homes (East) has installed a bench at the Cammo Meadows development to help boost mental health awareness, providing a space for locals and residents to take some time out of their day for a quiet moment of reflection.
A second bench has been installed by David Wilson Homes East Scotland who, alongside Cala Homes (East), have jointly funded the benches.
Cala Homes (East) has placed its bench in a quiet corner, at the western edge of the development, beside a local woodland walk and cycle path to provide picturesque views of the historic Cammo Estate.
An inscribed plaque will clearly display contact information for Breathing Space, a free telephone service which aims to help those in Scotland who are experiencing anxiety, stress or feeling low.
Peter McNamara Site Manager at Cala Homes’ (East) Cammo Meadows development, said: “We are delighted to unveil this Breathing Space bench at Cammo Meadows. The bench will act as a reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health, and we hope that residents use it for moments of peaceful reflection.
Tony McLaren, National Co-ordinator for Breathing Space, said: “The benches we have installed help the spread of positivity, as well as encouraging people to reach out to those who need it most. By adding the plaque with our phone number, we hope to make more people aware of the helpline which is available on weekday evenings and 24 hours at weekends. Those looking to speak to a Breathing Space advisor can call 0800 83 85 87.
“We hope the residents and the whole community at Cammo Meadows and surrounding area are able to enjoy the bench, in this serene and calm setting, and that it has a positive impact on the local community.”
Anne Ross, sales director at David Wilson Homes East Scotland, part of Barratt Developments Scotland, said: “The new Breathing Space bench at our Cammo Meadows development is a welcome addition to the site, providing a space for the local community to relax and find a moment of calm amidst busy schedules.
“Residents and locals experiencing anxiety, stress or who are feeling low can also find contact details for a free telephone service on each bench’s plaque. It might not seem much, but these two small corners of calm are a positive step in supporting and shifting the stigma surrounding mental health.”
Mental health, stress and work-related stress was behind nearly one-third (30 per cent or 500,021 FTE days)* of social care staff sickness absence in councils in England last year, shocking new figures uncovered by the British Psychological Society have revealed today.
Analysis of new data obtained by the British Psychological Society (BPS) from 114 local authorities in England, has also shown that for more than three quarters (77 per cent)** of local authorities, mental health, stress, or work-related stress is the most common reason for sickness absence in their social care workforce.
The figures are based on analysis of data for the period 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023, from 114 local authorities in England, obtained through Freedom of Information requests submitted by the British Psychological Society.
The British Psychological Society and British Association of Social Workers say the new figures highlight the desperate need for the NHS Staff Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs, which provided dedicated mental health support for struggling health and social care staff, until government funding ended in March 2023.
New research into the impact of three hubs recently published in the BMJ has found that Hubs were seen as a valuable, responsive and distinct part of the health and care system, but that the genuine promotion of and value placed on mental health support by health and social care management, and the creation of psychologically safe work environments, was vital.
At least 15 of the 42 hubs have already closed or are pending closure, while the majority of remaining hubs continue to operate in a funding limbo after NHS England provided an inadequate £2.3million for drastically scaled back services until March 2024 – despite staff wellbeing being a key focus of the new NHS Workforce Plan.
Some hubs had set up teams dedicated to reaching the social care workforce in their areas, including the Keeping Well in South East London (KWSEL) Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub, which proactively engaged with staff across six city boroughs. In one year, the team visited more than 110 care section organisations, with 448 care staff receiving training or an intervention to support their mental wellbeing, before the service was forced to close in March 2023 after its funding was cut.***
Integrated Care Systems in England are expected to make crucial decisions about future funding for the hubs and their staff wellbeing services in the next few months. The British Psychological Society and British Association of Social Workers are calling on health and care leaders to make funding for staff wellbeing support, including for the NHS Staff Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs, a key priority in their budgets.
Dr Roman Raczka, President-Elect of the British Psychological Society, and Chair of the Division for Clinical Psychology, said: “These troubling figures are yet more evidence of the staffing crisis and working conditions within social care, and the deeply concerning toll it is taking on the mental health of a demoralised and burnt out workforce.
“Despite this, funding for the NHS Staff Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs was cut just as many had started to make inroads into reaching social care staff who needed help, leaving significant unmet need.
“Health and social care leaders simply can’t afford not to invest in staff wellbeing if they wish to retain staff, recruit new talent, and provide the effective, safe services people deserve.
“We urge them to commit to long-term ring-fenced funding for dedicated mental health and wellbeing support for health and care staff, including through the remaining NHS Staff Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs.
“They must now seize upon the opportunity to build upon the foundations created by the hub network to provide mental health and wellbeing support for staff that’s fit for purpose and rooted in best practice.”
BASW found a lack of funding for social care (68 per cent), recruitment and retention problems (54 per cent) and cuts to local services (42 per cent) were pinpointed as the biggest concerns for the profession as a whole.
A new pilot service which aims to tackle the mental health crisis facing children and young people in Scotland is to be launched from September in East Lothian.
Developed by Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC), ‘The Haven’ wellbeing and resilience service will open tomorrow (Monday 18 September) at The Fraser Centre in Tranent and is open to families living within the catchment area of Ross High School.
It aims to support families with children struggling with their mental health and prevent problems escalating to the point where professional intervention is needed.
The Haven will be open to any child or young person with a mental health concern, and any member of their family, including parents, carers, siblings and grandparents. It will offer support in a relaxed and informal setting and provide interventions including family support groups, signposting, fun activities and a drop-in service for those who may just need a cup of tea and a listening ear.
Every family will have their own ‘Pal’; a trained team member who can support them along their child’s mental health journey. At its best, The Haven may negate a family’s need for future access to medical support, alleviating the pressures on Scotland’s CAMHS.
Sara Fairgrieve from East Lothianis the parent of a child who is currently receiving mental health support. She is backing ECHC’s new service and will attend The Haven with her child once it is open.
Sara said: “This new service is definitely needed and will be very welcome in the community. For any parent who has children struggling with their mental health, just having somewhere to go where you can relax, escape for a little while and meet like-minded parents with similar issues who understand will be so beneficial.
“We’re lucky in that we’re managing for now, but I know there are parents out there who are despairing, stuck on a waiting list and feel they have nowhere to turn to get the help they need now.
“Being able to speak to non-judgmental professionals who can provide the right support and guidance – as families will be able to do at The Haven – will really help to take the stress and strain off parents, and the kids themselves.”
The Haven will be piloted in Tranent for two years to ascertain the scale of demand. It is modelled on the charity’s existing Hospital Hub, which delivers very similar interventions to children and families visiting Edinburgh’s Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP).
The service is a response to ECHC’s research which found that over half (59%) of Scottish families have a child who has experienced a mental health concern. Once proven, it will be scaled and delivered in community settings and available to all children struggling with their mental health, and their families, across Scotland.
Roslyn Neely, CEO of ECHC, said: “When it comes to tackling the mental health crisis facing children and young people in Scotland, there is no time to wait.
“In developing this service, we spoke to many families who feel they just don’t know where to get the support and advice that they so desperately need. We asked them what was missing, and overwhelmingly we found families just needed somewhere to go for a bit of help while they’re waiting, or if they know professional help isn’t an option for them.
“The development of The Haven has been led completely by children, young people and families. What they asked for was a wellbeing service like that already provided at the children’s hospital. Somewhere the whole family can go and do everything from take part in fun activities, to having a complementary therapy or just a hot cup of tea and the chance to offload.
“Together we have an opportunity to help our children with earlier support for good mental health to improve their wellbeing and avert a potential mental health crisis. We hope The Haven will be part of the solution.”
Paul McLennan, MSP for East Lothianadded: “I’m delighted to see Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity launch their new mental health pilot in Tranent.
“I’ve met the team on a number of occasions – this is a groundbreaking initiative and I look forward to working with them closely in the months ahead.”
If you live within the catchment area of Ross High School and/or are registered with Tranent Medical Practice and need support, please get in touch at thehaven@echcharity.org or call 0131 202 9212.
Samaritans Scotland has responded to yesterday’s release of data from National Records of Scotland in its annual update on suicide statistics for 2022.
Key Points
762 deaths by suicide were recorded in 2022 – an increase of nine from 2021.
People living in Scotland’s most deprived areas are 2.6 times more likely to die by suicide than those living in the least deprived areas.
At council level, the rate was higher than the Scottish average in Highland, Dundee City, East Ayrshire and Perth and Kinross.
Female deaths increased by 18 – however a decrease of 42 was recorded in 2021.
Although the number of probable suicides increased for females, men are still 2.9 times more likely to die by suicide in Scotland.
Neil Mathers, Executive Director of Samaritans Scotland, said: “Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy and 762 deaths reaffirms the importance of suicide prevention work in Scotland.
“Today’s figures show that it is imperative that we continue to take action on the range of factors that may contribute to suicide risk.
“Those living in Scotland’s most deprived areas are more than twice as likely to die by suicide than those in more affluent areas.
“Samaritans research has previously shown the importance of suicide prevention work with middle aged men. Today’s data reinforces the need to prioritise support for middle aged people and highlights the need for women in middle age and older to receive the help they need.
“While there has been an increase overall in the number of female deaths, men continue to account for most deaths, and are still 2.9 times more likely to die by suicide in Scotland.
“We know that suicide is complex and there is rarely a single reason why someone may decide to take their own life.
“As a lead partner in Suicide Prevention Scotland – a new initiative in delivering Scotland’s Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2022-25 – we will encourage a whole society approach to address the social determinants with the greatest link to suicide risk. We will also consider ‘access to means’, examining locations of concern across the country.
“We look forward to working with the Scottish Government and other partners on this ambitious strategy to reduce deaths by suicide in Scotland.”
Dr David Hall, suicide prevention lead, Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland, said: “Although the most recent figures do not show dramatic changes, it is particularly disappointing to note that the slight decrease noted in the last few years has not continued, despite ongoing efforts in suicide prevention.
“We must remember that every one of these probable deaths by suicide represent a terrible tragedy for all those affected.
“The dramatically increased rate in the most deprived areas of Scotland over the less deprived, illustrates the ongoing health inequalities experienced by many Scots.
“Ongoing efforts in suicide prevention and focus on ensuring that those in suicidal crisis can access prompt and appropriate help, wherever they are, remain vitally important.”
Suicide Prevention Scotland has responded to today’s release of data from National Records of Scotland (NRS) for 2022 which shows a small year on year increase in deaths by probable suicide.
Statistics released by NRS show that there were 762 suicides registered in 2022, a 1.2% increase on 2021 (which was down 6.5% on 2020’s data).
Annual data can fluctuate so it is important to also view the figures in terms of five year rolling averages which give a better understanding of the pattern of deaths over time.
The number of deaths by suicide in 2022 is slightly below the previous five-year average (771). Apart from 2021, it’s the lowest number of suicide deaths since 2017 (680).
The average age of death by suicide has risen from the previous year. In 2022 this was 48.1 years; in 2022 it was 41.9 years.
The small increase in the past year can be attributed to an increase in female suicides by 18 and a reduction in male suicides, which decreased by nine. The rate for men remains three times that of women.
Compared to the previous female five-year average (198 for 2017-2021), 2022 shows an increase of eight deaths. Compared to the previous male five-year average (573 for 2017-2021), 2022 shows a decrease of 17 probable suicides.
There was an increase in suicide rate 2017-2019, followed by a decrease 2019-2021, with the lowest numbers seen since 2017 in 2021. Although the numbers released for 2022 do not continue to follow this decrease, it is too early to say if the downward trend has stalled, as several years’ data are needed to confirm an overall trend.
Probable suicides in the 15–24-year-old group have fallen by four to 69 in 2022, from 73 in 2021.
The biggest reduction seen is in the 25–34-year-old group, which fell by 35 to 113 in 2022 from 148 in 2021. However, the next oldest age category, the 35-44-year-olds, saw one of the highest increases (up 22 to 153).
There has also been a slight increase over the last year in older age groups, including the 55-64-year-olds (up 22, to 143 deaths, and mirroring similar findings for 2021) and the 65–74-year-olds (up 18, to 91 deaths).
The increase in these older age groups was driven mostly by male suicides, which increased by 37 to 121 in the 55-64-year-olds.
When we look at the rate of suicide, the highest rate seen in 2022 was among 35-44-year-old males (35.6 per 100,000), an increase from 27.4 in 2021.
In 2022, the suicide rate in the most deprived areas was 21.7 per 100,000, compared with least deprived areas of 8.4 per 100,000.
This means that deaths by suicides in 2022 occurred 2.6 times more in our most deprived communities, an improvement on inequality seen in previous years.
The five-year average 2018-2022 was three times more in the most deprived areas compared with least deprived areas. This is a small improvement from the previous five year average 2017-2021, which was 3.1 times more.
Last September, the Scottish Government and COSLA (Convention of Scottish Local Authorities) launched the country’s new long-term suicide prevention strategy and action plan, Creating Hope Together.
To deliver the new strategy, a new community of organisations and people, Suicide Prevention Scotland, has been established.
Creating Hope Together sets out four key outcomes. Partnership is at the heart of the approach, and so a strategic partner(s) has been appointed to drive delivery. They are:
Creating a safer environment that protects against suicide across the whole of Government and society – Samaritans
Improving understanding of suicide and tackling stigma – SAMH
Providing compassionate support for anyone affected by suicide – Penumbra & Change Mental Health
Working in a connected way, that always draws on evidence and lived experience – Public Health Scotland
A new National Suicide Prevention Advisory Group has also been established.
Led by Rose Fitzpatrick CBE QPM, its members represent many of the sectors leading work on the social determinants of suicide. This includes poverty, as well as partners who are working in key sectors affected by suicide – such as the criminal justice sector.
Their role is to provide advice to Suicide Prevention Scotland, Scottish Government and COSLA which helps us focus on the complexity, intersectionality and inequality of suicide.
Suicide Prevention Scotland’s recently appointed National Delivery Lead Haylis Smith comments: “Today we learnt that 762 families lost a loved one to suicide in 2022. Every person was a family member or friend – important to and loved by others. Each and every one drives our commitment to do everything we can to prevent suicide.
“Creating Hope Together – the new strategy and action plan, along with Suicide Prevention Scotland, the community of people across the country who are involved in suicide prevention, will help to ensure we deliver a joined up whole of government – and society – approach.
“The year one priorities provide a strong base for us to continue the detailed work that has been undertaken in recent years and the outcomes framework will help us measure our progress.
“Understanding the determinants of suicide is vital to our work and will continue to help shape the critical focus on inequalities, particularly the impact of poverty, because we know that you are 2.6 times more likely to die by suicide if you live in the most deprived areas, than the least.
“Everyday we should remind ourselves that talking about suicide saves lives. People often worry about bringing the subject up, about saying the word suicide, but we know that talking about suicide is an important way that we can ensure that no death is inevitable. ”
SteveMcHughis part of Suicide Prevention Scotland’s Lived Experience Panel. His son died by suicide in 2016. He said: “No one underestimates the complexity or the size of the challenge that we face, and we all understand that a lot of the work we are doing in Suicide Prevention Scotland is building institutional strength, capacity and awareness that will drive these numbers down over the longer term.
“It is totally regretful that we’ve seen a short term increase from 2021 to 2022, but we believe we are working extremely hard on the right things. That being said, we have to try and move quicker from the ideas into implementation in our communities.
“We were all very fearful that lockdown was going to have a spike impact on suicide rates, and that didn’t happen, but we are aware that lockdown has had a long-term impact on the population’s mental health and there are going to be further challenges ahead.”
NadineDougall, Professor of Mental Health & Data Science at Edinburgh Napier University and a member of the Suicide Prevention Scotland Academic Advisory Group comments: “Every death by suicide has devastating consequences on families, friends, and communities. The deaths by suicide registered in 2022 showed a 1% increase on the previous year, although they were also slightly below the previous five year average.
“The 2022 data also reveals that stark inequalities remain between our most and least deprived communities, with 2.6 times as many deaths registered in our most deprived areas.
“Although we have seen a slight improvement in this inequality comparing previous five year averages, it is still clear that as well as bringing down numbers of deaths by suicide, we must tackle the wider inequalities that contribute to suicide.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health or feeling suicidal, please don’t hesitate to ask for help by contacting your GP, NHS24 on 111, Samaritans on 116 123 or Breathing Space on 0800 83 58 87.
Over half of Scots (52 per cent) think volunteering could improve their mental health according to a new survey from the British Heart Foundation. It comes as the national charity has also seen a boom in younger volunteers since the pandemic ended.
The British Heart Foundation (BHF), which has around 16,000 volunteers across its shops and stores, and supporting roles from home, has also revealed that over half of its new retail volunteer recruits this year are Gen Z.
A new survey of 1,000 people in Scotland has highlighted that Scots believe volunteering could improve their mental health, boost confidence, and reduce loneliness.
The survey also found that over nine in 10 (94 per cent) of Gen Z respondents nationally would consider volunteering, compared with just under three quarters (74 per cent) of Baby Boomers (people aged 59-77+) respondents.
Flexibility stood out as a key factor for Scottish respondents when it comes to volunteering, with 48 per cent of Scots saying they would be more likely to volunteer if flexible hours were offered, and nearly a quarter (24 per cent) would consider volunteering from home
Further results showed that for 30 per cent of Scottish respondents (32 per cent), the biggest barrier to volunteering in a charity shop was not having time to commit to it regularly. With flexible roles offered, and even the option to volunteer from home, it’s now much easier for anyone to get involved and try out volunteering at the BHF.
Harry McCaughey, a 17-year-old BHF volunteer, initially signed up to gain some work experience and develop his confidence in meeting and socialising with other people. He volunteers at his local shop on the weekends while he studies and loves the social atmosphere and the mix of people and ages in the team. After his A Levels, Harry hopes to go to university and have a career in dermatology.
Harry said: “I started volunteering to meet new people, and it’s been great to get to know people that I wouldn’t otherwise have met and hear advice from those that are older than me.
“I’d encourage younger people to volunteer, it’s a great way to expand your social circle and build confidence and responsibility at work.”
David McColgan, Head of the British Heart Foundation (BHF) in Scotlandsaid: “Since the pandemic, it’s been great to see consistently high numbers of young people choose to try out volunteering. The flexibility we offers makes it ideal for those looking to gain work experience and build confidence before applying for jobs or heading to university.
“Our easy, flexible, and inclusive approach aims to make volunteering more accessible for all. We encourage everyone to bring their skills to the BHF, whether it’s for one day or one hundred. Whether you want to chat to customers on the shop floor, sort through donations in the stock room, style the mannequins in the window, stay active in the warehouse or research eBay items from home, we have the role for you.”
A recent volunteer photoshoot saw the charity use only real volunteers in their images, rather than models, marking a new direction the charity is taking to reflect the real diversity of their volunteers.
SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) is inviting people from Edinburgh with lived experience of suicide to apply to take part in the Suicide Prevention Scotland Lived Experience Panel.
The panel exists so that people with experience of suicide can help shape Scotland’s mission to prevent suicide.
The Lived Experience Panel works alongside Suicide Prevention Scotland to influence and advise on its work to deliver the Scottish Government and COSLA’s suicide prevention strategy, Creating Hope Together.
Suicide Prevention Scotland is the community of people and organisations working together to deliver the strategy.
The panel was initially formed in 2019 to support the delivery of the previous strategy.
It played a vital role in the development of guidance to support local authorities, learning & development resources, the launch of the United to Prevent Suicide campaign movement, pilot projects to support families bereaved by suicide, and shaping an approach to supporting people in suicidal crisis, Time Space Compassion.
This model has been so successful that it has been recognised by the World Health Organisation as a significant international example of participation of people with lived experience in suicide prevention work.
Those who have previously attempted suicide, experienced suicidal thoughts, or have lost a loved one to suicide are encouraged to apply to be on the panel.
The Scottish Government provides funding to SAMH to host the lived experience panel, providing support to the group’s members so that they can contribute fully and safely help influence suicide prevention strategy.
SeonaidStallan, is a current member of the Lived Experience Panel. She lost her son Dylan to suicide; three weeks later her sister-in-law Vanessa took her own life.
She said: “After losing my son and sister-in-law to suicide, I knew there were things which needed to change to prevent this happening to others.
“Being a member of the Lived Experience Panel has given me the opportunity to share my personal lived experience, insight and knowledge of suicide.
My experience is valued, and I have been able to use my voice to help influence and shape a variety of actions and services in suicide prevention.
“I am pleased to say that Scotland now has a pilot service which supports families bereaved by suicide, families like mine. This will save lives.”
Dan Farthing, Head of Suicide Prevention at SAMHsaid: “This is a unique opportunity for people in Edinburgh to play a significant part in Scotland’s mission to prevent suicide.
“SAMH is proud to have worked collaboratively to establish and develop the Lived Experience Panel and to continue to host it for Suicide Prevention Scotland.
“Working with panel members we’ve created a safe space for open conversation, and constructive challenge. Those who join the panel will be able to genuinely shape what Scotland’s approach to suicide prevention looks like in the future.
“Support and safeguarding are always at the forefront of everything we do, and so those who are interested in contributing this way should know that their wellbeing is our top priority.”
Haylis Smith, National Delivery, Suicide Prevention Scotlandsaid: “Over the last four years the Lived Experience Panel has become a vital part of the three-way approach to the development of suicide prevention policy and practice alongside public health professionals and our academic advisors.
“Members understandably want to do all they can to prevent suicide, but it is the quality of their contributions that have made such a difference.
“The idea of a lived experience panel was very new when this one was set up, and some people were probably quite nervous about taking this approach.
“However, we’ve seen so many meaningful contributions that have helped shape our approach, and in some cases bring about change that may not have happened.
“We’d warmly encourage anyone who has experience of suicide in Edinburgh, who feels they are ready to contribute to this work to put themselves forward.”
The 111 Mental Health Hub is a free, confidential support for anyone in Scotland. Whether you’re struggling with mental health worries or need help with thoughts of self-harm or suicide, our caring team is ready to listen, no matter your age.
A mental health charity in Fife has received a £1,000 donation from the team at the Amazon fulfilment centre in Dunfermline.
Express Group Fife provides mental health support to people living in Fife by running self-help social groups, one to one work and social events like meals and various activities. The charity offers a safe space for people struggling with their mental health to talk to someone.
The donation from Amazon will go towards staff training to enhance the provision to service users.
Jamie Strain, General Manager at Amazon in Dunfermline, said: “We are pleased to support Express Group Fife. Mental health is such an important aspect of our lives and Express Group Fife provides a great range of services to support the Fife community.
“We hope that with this donation, the team can continue helping those who need them.”
Gary Guichan, Express Group Fife Service Manager, added: ““On behalf of our staff and volunteers, we would like to thank Jamie and the team at Amazon in Dunfermline for their support.
“Donations like this ensure we can continue supporting the community across Fife and I would urge anyone in need of support to get in contact.”
The donation to Express Group Fife was made as part of Amazon’s programme to support the communities around its operating locations across the UK.
The social prescription programme is designed for people with a mental health diagnosis
Edinburgh Napier University research into a mountain biking programme for people with a mental health diagnosis has found participants benefitted from the experience.
Researchers carried out an evaluation of Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland’s Trail Therapy programme, which has been running for more than a year. Participants are either self-referred or recommended through community and social prescription services.
Trail Therapy aims to help them grow in confidence, improve social interactions, establish skills of self-regulation, and accelerate their road to wellbeing. Having been hosted in Dundee, Perthshire and Lanarkshire, organisers hope to roll it out to other parts of the country.
Through interviews with participants and mountain bike leaders, the qualitative study found the unique challenges and settings posed by mountain biking contributed towards a holistic impact on their overall wellbeing.
Riders spoke highly of being able to take part in therapy in an informal, non-clinical environment, while also feeling part of a community.
The research was carried out by Dr Hollie Fountain, Dr Lesley Ingram-Sils, and Dr Tony Westbury from Edinburgh Napier University’s School of Applied Sciences.
Dr Ingram-Sills said: “The evaluation describes themes that emerged through an analysis process and uses the voices of the riders and their own words to express their experiences.
“Overall, those involved with the Trail Therapy programme were enthusiastic to share their experiences and reflected on their involvement in an extremely positive way.
“The stories and narratives that emerged from the analysis largely emphasised a holistic impact of the programme on riders’ overall wellbeing and skill development, underpinned by three main interrelated characteristics; challenge (physical, psychosocial, and exposure to the natural environment), MTB experiences, and support.
“There are still opportunities to further evaluate the programme and we know DMBinS are keen to learn how they can make it even more impactful. We look forward to working with them to source the funding for this important research.”
Dr Christine Fox, the DMBinS Mountain Bike Health Programme Manager, said: “We can visibly see the difference in participants on our Trail Therapy programme.
“This research from Edinburgh Napier University confirms that the programme has an impact on improving the health and wellbeing of those involved.
“Mountain biking connects us with nature in a unique way that combines physical challenge, positive risk taking, skill development, and unique opportunities for therapeutic experiences.
“We also take great pride in our Trail Therapy MTB leader, Paul MacFarlane, and volunteers in their approach that provides support, embeds therapeutic activities, whilst gauging the skill level and motivations of each individual.
“We currently run the programme in areas where we can source local or regional funding and we hope we can use the research to roll the programme out to other areas of Scotland and increase donations to the Scottish MTB Health Fund.”
The Trail Therapy evaluation was produced by Edinburgh Napier University as part of Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland’s programme of work on fostering mental health and wellbeing through mountain biking, funded by NatureScot, Trek, and Scottish Government.
It was based on interviews conducted by the research team at ENU in October and November 2022.
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