Tag: SAMH

The Nook from SAMH to bring free, accessible mental health support to Edinburgh

A transformational mental health hub will open in Edinburgh next year, bringing free, accessible mental health support to anyone in the capital and its surrounding areas. 

The Nook, a groundbreaking initiative from SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health), will launch on Lothian Road in early spring 2027. 

The Nook in Edinburgh will be a flagship service for SAMH, which operates more than 70 services across the country, and is the charity’s response to the national mental health crisis, which sees tens of thousands of people wait too long for the help they need.    

Designed to be a welcoming, friendly and accessible space, The Nook operates on a walk-in basis, removing the need to book appointments or receive a referral from a GP.  

It will offer non-clinical, stigma-free mental health support for adults, young people and their families, so that anyone can ask once and get help fast with their mental health. 

Scotland’s national mental health charity has a unique relationship with the capital, which was home to SAMH’s first ever service, a horticultural project that opened in 1983.  

This legacy is continued by longstanding SAMH services including Redhall Walled Garden, based on Lanark Road, and the Hive Activity Centre at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital. 

The choice of location for The Nook, at 142 Lothian Road, will make mental health and wellbeing support available in the heart of the city, and easily accessible to people across Edinburgh and beyond. 

David Arbuthnott, 60 from South Queensferry, who attended SAMH’s The Changing Room at Tynecastle Park after experiencing the loss of his sister, said: “Deciding you need help and asking for it can be the most difficult things for people suffering from mental health challenges. 

“Barriers can make people feel like they aren’t worthy of help and that they don’t deserve it, pushing them further away. Accessing help easily in Edinburgh, without having to jump through hoops and overcome barriers, will help so many people.” 

Shona Littlejohn, Chair of SAMH, said: “The Nook will bring innovative, accessible mental health support to anyone in and around Edinburgh.

“As I know from experience, mental health challenges can happen to us all and have a devastating impact on individuals, families, communities and workplaces.   

“Scotland’s mental health system is in crisis, with too many people failed by long waiting lists and the need for referrals. Change has been too slow, and lives are being lost and blighted. The Nook brings hope, compassion and practical support designed and delivered by Scotland’s leading mental health charity.”   

The Nook is the largest mental health charity initiative in Scotland’s history and is funded by SAMH’s first major appeal, which seeks to raise £10 million to revolutionise mental health support across the country.

The Scottish Government has also committed to supporting some of The Nook’s operating costs and SAMH is working closely with government officials to clarify the level of support.  

June Pennykid, Managing Director at insurance broker Keegan & Pennykid, and a longstanding supporter of SAMH, said: “The Nook is by far the most ambitious undertaking by SAMH in its 103-year history. It is also arguably the most essential one.   

“Poor mental health is increasing at a higher rate than any other health condition, including among children and young people. That in itself is reason enough for delivering The Nook throughout Scotland, to ensure that everyone can access the mental health support they need, when they need it.    

“As The Nook comes to Edinburgh, I’d urge my fellow business owners to get on board and support the appeal. After all, you never know when you or someone you love might need it.” 

This will be the third Nook in Scotland’s first national network of walk-in mental health hubs, with the first Nook opening in Glasgow last year and the second in Aberdeen in June.

Last week, it was announced that 10,000 people have already visited the two existing Nooks, demonstrating clear demand and trust in the walk-in model.  

Billy Watson, Chief Executive of SAMH, said: “The Nook is the largest charitable mental health initiative in Scotland’s history and we’re thrilled to be able to bring it to Edinburgh.

“With more than 10,000 people having already visited Nooks in Glasgow and Aberdeen, we already know that The Nook is needed, and that it’s giving people the help they need, fast.  

“We hope The Nook will quickly become the go-to place for immediate mental health support in Edinburgh, while working closely with local partners in the mental health system and beyond.”  

More information is available on The Nook website. 

New estimates reveal the impact of physical inactivity on health

A new report published by Public Health Scotland (PHS) estimates the burden of disease attributable to physical inactivity from selected mental health and musculoskeletal conditions in Scotland.

The analysis was jointly commissioned by PHS, Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH) and the Active Scotland team within the Scottish Government. It builds on previous analysis of cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes, to provide a more complete picture of the impact of physical inactivity on the nation’s health.

The report estimates that more than 12,000 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) are attributable to physical inactivity from mental health and musculoskeletal conditions alone. When combined with the previous analysis, physical inactivity is estimated to account for nearly 24,000 DALYs each year in Scotland. Mental health conditions account for around 38% of the newly identified total burden, with anxiety the largest contributor.

DALYs are a measure used to help show the impact of ill health on both length and quality of life. They combine years of life lost due to premature death with years lived in less than full health.  

While the relationship between physical inactivity and conditions such as cardiovascular disease is well established, these findings show that it also contributes significantly to poor mental health, disability and reduced quality of life.  

Addressing the social, economic and environmental barriers that influence activity levels is key to supporting active lifestyles, helping those who are least active to move more and preventing others from becoming inactive.

Dr Dionne Mackison, Head of Place, Environment and Health Harms at Public Health Scotland said: “This report reinforces the importance of physical activity as a key determinant of health, underlining its role supporting good mental wellbeing, mobility and independence throughout life.

“Our Together We Can strategy, focuses on prevention and creating the conditions that enable people and communities to live healthier lives. Supporting people to be more active is crucial in preventing ill health and reducing health inequalities.”

Alex Cumming, Executive Director of Delivery and Service Development at Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH) said: “This research project yet again highlights the importance of good mental health and its foundation in us all leading healthy, active lives.

“Creating the conditions which enable people to be more active, is an early and preventative approach to mental health. Supporting active, connected communities can help reduce the wider burden of disease and improve the quality of life for people impacted by mental health.”

Responding to the Public Health Scotland report, Lauren Bennie, Head of Scotland for Arthritis UK, said: “This report highlights the significant impact musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions have on people’s health and quality of life across Scotland, and the important role physical activity can play in prevention and management.

“Importantly, it notes that MSK problems are ‘among the most common reasons for GP consultations and work absence’, highlighting their wider impact on individuals, health services and the economy.

“While the report estimates that physical inactivity contributes to the loss of more than 3,000 years of healthy life through MSK conditions, for people living with arthritis, being active is not always easy. Pain, stiffness, fatigue and reduced mobility can themselves create major barriers to physical activity, creating a vicious cycle that can further impact people’s physical and mental wellbeing.

“The substantial contribution of mental health and musculoskeletal conditions to the disability burden demonstrates that increasing physical activity is critical not just for living longer, but for living healthier lives, benefiting the individual, society and the economy.

“With around 1.7 million adults in Scotland living with arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions, we need a much greater focus on prevention, early intervention and access to the right treatment and support.

“That is why Arthritis UK is calling on the Scottish Government to introduce Scotland’s first MSK Action Plan and include MSK conditions in the upcoming Long Term Conditions Strategy, providing the coordinated national approach needed to improve MSK health and help people live healthier, more active and independent lives.”

Read the full report

Find out more about PHS’s 10-year strategy Together We Can.

final-summary-estimating-the-pia-msk-mental-healthDownload

Local Paramedic to run Edinburgh Marathon in full suit of armour

Edinburgh City Paramedic, Jay Watt, is running in this weekend’s Edinburgh Marathon to raise money for SAMH, clad in a full suit of metal armour.

Jay has been running the Edinburgh Marathon every year since 2011 in a new costume to raise money for local and children’s charities. Previous years’ costumes have included Buzz Lightyear, aliens, and a bunny suit, raising money for The Yard and The Teenage Cancer Trust, amongst others.

Speaking about his latest challenge, Jay said: “In my job, I have encountered patients struggling with their mental health, so this year I wanted to raise awareness of the support SAMH give and raise money to help them continue their important work.

“This is my 20th marathon, and I’ve run in big mascot costumes before, but this year I wanted to break through the stigma of mental health and let people know it’s okay to have a chink in your armour.”

In addition to running the marathon, Jay has been putting the suit through its paces by skiing, boxing, kayaking, and more. He has had some help from a Scottish blacksmith, Kev Paxton, to ensure his suit can withstand each challenge.

Jay said: “Kev has helped me adjust the suit so I can do these activities in it and raise as much awareness as I can.

“By taking part in these sports and fitness activities, I am looking to encourage a positive vibe about mental health and encouraging people to reach out.”

Follow Jay’s journey and donate to his fundraiser here: 

https://www.justgiving.com/page/jay-watt-6?fbclid=IwY2xjawR6UwNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF2THpPak1NRUtXMzFEM3Zrc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPNTE0NzcxNTY5MjI4MDYxAAEeEBNPDXJ6JmNWNClTw1K_8aDpgLquv-7udeB17cUE3ihSc37gTnW2rUjFZm4_aem_JBv0cfBcER4Nr4Vm4Nq9YA

Stomp it out for Scotland’s mental health!

Scotland’s national mental health charity is calling on supporters to put their best foot forward and raise vital funds for life-saving mental health support with the return of an iconic event.

SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health) is encouraging people across Scotland to get involved in the revival of SAMH Stomp: a stair-climbing challenge where every penny raised makes a difference.

Returning after a six-year hiatus, the event will see SAMH and its supporters take over Barclays Hampden on Saturday 10 October 2026, which marks World Mental Health Day.

Registrations open today, with participants choosing to complete either a single or double lap of the steps in the stadium, totalling 4,968 stairs – or a whopping 9,936 stairs!

As the last Stomp was held virtually due to the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020, this year’s event marks an opportunity to bring together mental health supporters from across the country for a fundraiser full of energy and hope.

Allie Bowen, a SAMH supporter from Dundee who took part in the most recent Stomp, said the sense of community was a key motivator to get involved: “2019 was one of the hardest times in my life, I lost my partner and his mum just a month apart. Taking part in SAMH Stomp helped me turn that grief into something meaningful and showed me I wasn’t alone.

“During lockdown in 2020, being unable to see loved ones was heartbreaking – and it made me realise just how vital mental health support really is. That’s why I’ve continued supporting SAMH, raising around £6,000 in total and helping spread awareness.

“That’s also why people should take part in SAMH Stomp 2026, because every step makes a difference, for yourself and for others who need to know they’re not alone.”

SAMH operates around 70 services in communities across Scotland, from supported accommodation and care-at-home services, to suicide prevention training and employability support.

This includes Time for You, which offers free wellbeing coaching or counselling via phone or video call, and The Nook: Scotland’s first national network of walk-in mental health and wellbeing support hubs.

The first Nook is now open in Glasgow’s Merchant City, with The Nook in Aberdeen to open this summer, with three more to follow across the country.

Hazel McIlwraith, Director of Fundraising and Major Appeal, said: “We want everyone to get behind the return of SAMH Stomp. You don’t need to be an elite athlete to take part – our strength is in our numbers. Every step, every cheer, and every stomp echoes far beyond the stands of Scotland’s most iconic stadium, raising vital funds and awareness for mental health support across the country.

“This is our first big public event since the pandemic, so as well as being a fantastic opportunity to fundraise it’s also a chance for us all to get together to show our support and make our voices heard.

“Gather your friends, family and workmates, or come along as you are, and join Team SAMH as we step up the pace in our mission for a Scotland where anyone can ask once and get help fast.”

Find out more and register at: www.samh.org.uk/stomp

Simon Howie’s sold-out Puddin’ Race for SAMH hailed a Burns Night success

The Scottish Butcher, Simon Howie, has hailed the launch of its first-ever 5km Puddin’ Race a resounding success, after the Burns Night-inspired run sold out within just a few weeks with over 500 runners keen to ‘pud’ on their running gear and run for a haggis in support of mental health.

Held on Sunday 25 January 2026, Burns Night, at Simon Howie’s HQ in Dunning, Perthshire, the first-ever event welcomed runners of all abilities and all ages to take part in a feel-good race designed to boost wellbeing, celebrate Burns Night, and raise funds and awareness for SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health).

The morning kicked off with the Kids’ Fun Run. While this race wasn’t officially timed and was all about having fun, we have to give a special shout-out to Alex Martin and Ainsley Young as the first boy and girl home.

Huge well done to all our young runners!

Despite the slightly drizzly weather the 5k started in high spirits with a piper accompanying the runners over the start line. The 5k route is quite a challenging route with some steep uphill and traily sections so the winner Alastair Marshall was quite rightly hailed The Great Chieftain o’ The Puddin’ Race, setting an extremely impressive time of 15:58.

Donations were invited from all runners signing up to the event and over £1000 was raised for SAMH, to support the charity’s vital mental health services across Scotland, before the race even started.

The Puddin’ Race formed part of a wider January fundraising drive by Simon Howie, which also included the brand’s Sideburns Night campaign, a nationwide challenge encouraging supporters to grow their sideburns in the lead-up to Burns Night and donate £5 to SAMH. Together, the two campaigns combined Burns Night tradition with light-hearted fundraising to tackle the January blues and support mental wellbeing across Scotland.

Founder Simon Howie said: “As the UK’s number 1 haggis brand and a family business putting on a family friendly event that welcomes people of all ages, both from the local community but also from further afield, to join us here in Dunning to celebrate Burns Night has been extremely special.

“The weather this month has been brutal but this really has been a celebration of us hardy Scots. We don’t let a bit of rain stop us turning up, especially if there’s a haggis to win!

“Our organising team, Clair Howison, James Tree and Scott Thomson have pulled out all the stops, so I want to thank them personally for all that they have done.

“What began as a bit of a whacky idea has turning into a massive post-Christmas blues-buster. We were blown away by how quickly the race sold out and delighted by the money it raised for SAMH so while it was a lot of work to juggle during our busiest time of the year, we also hope this will be the first of many to come.”

Participants crossed the finish line to receive a celebratory haggis and commemorative medal, with many also sporting exclusive Puddin’ Race T-shirts and tote bags. The event atmosphere reflected its core aim of bringing people together, tackling the January blues and highlighting the positive impact of physical activity on mental wellbeing.

Hazel McIlwraith, Director of Fundraising and Major Appeal at SAMH, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Simon Howie and everyone who took part in the Puddin’ Race.

“Community events like this play a vital role in helping us continue our work supporting mental health across Scotland, while also encouraging people to look after their own wellbeing.”

Following the success of the inaugural event, Simon Howie has confirmed it is exploring plans for future editions of the Puddin’ Race.

Finding Peace of Mind Walk 2026

Starting in the Shetland Islands on 1st January 2026 – and arriving into Edinburgh on 25th February – Jonathan Kemp, Viscount Rochdale, will embark on an incredible 10-month, 296-day, 4,200km journey across Scotland, England, Wales, Ireland and Northern Ireland to raise £80,000 for four mental health charities and to spark open conversations about mental health.

Along the way, Jonathan will give talks in workplaces, schools, universities and community groups on his own powerful story of living with bipolar disorder, depression, addiction and dyslexia. 

Jonathan is keen to invite members of the public to walk alongside him for a mile, a day, or more – or simply offer support from the side-lines. For more information visit: www.jonathankemp.com/walk and for the full press release, route maps and photographs visit: https://bit.ly/FindingPeaceMedia

For the first 40 years of his life, Jonathan battled undiagnosed mental health conditions, and contemplated death by suicide. He spent years trying to distance himself from family expectations, searching for a sense of well-being as a punk, a cowboy in Australia, a London bricklayer, a Metropolitan Police sergeant, and later an entrepreneur. He shared his story in his powerful memoir, Finding Peace of Mind (Troubador, October 2025). 

Now, he wants to share his journey from mental illness to a life of purpose and hope, normalising conversations about mental health, reducing stigma, and inspiring others to keep going, while raising money for four charities:

SAMH – Scotland www.samh.org.uk

Around since 1923, SAMH is Scotland’s national mental health charity.

They operate over 70 services in communities across Scotland, providing mental health social care support, addictions and employment services, among others.

Mind – England & Wales www.mind.org.uk

Mind is the national mental health charity in England and Wales that fights for everyone to get the mental health support they deserve.

Mind provides a wide range of services, including a national Infoline, legal advice, online resources, and support through local branches.

Mind’s work focuses on offering support, fighting for mental health policies, and breaking down societal stigma.

AWARE NI – Northern Ireland www.aware-ni.org

AWARE NI is the Depression Charity for Northern Ireland.

Based in Derry/Londonderry and Belfast, they have an established network of 24 support groups across the country alongside online support group options, welcoming people with low mood, anxiety, depression and bipolar as well as carers for people with mental ill-health.

AWARE – Ireland www.aware.ie

Founded in 1985, AWARE is a voluntary organisation based in Ireland which aims to assist people affected by depression, bipolar disorder and related mood conditions.

They offer support and self-care groups for people who experience depression or bipolar disorder, a support Line, support mail and training and education programmes.

Anyone can donate here: https://rebrand.ly/FindingPeaceWalk

Jonathan says, “This isn’t just a walk — it’s a living symbol of the mental health journey. Beginning in the cold, dark days of January reflects those times when life feels tough, when all you can do is keep going one step at a time.”

Jonathan Kemp, Viscount Rochdale, is a survivor, author, and relentless innovator. He is an entrepreneur, former law enforcement official and mental health advocate who was unaware that bipolar disorder, depression and dyslexia were shaping his life.

He has appeared on Times Radio, BBC Radio, TedX and in the Times and Tatler. He won the British Dyslexia Association’s ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ award in 2011 and has worked with organisations and academic institutions using SmartWisdom to support people to excel at work and study. www.jonathankemp.com. 

Edinburgh Cycling Safety Roadshow

MONDAY 17th NOVEMBER from 6 – 9.30pm

JAMES WATT CENTRE AUDITORIUM, HERIOT WATT UNIVERSITY

Cycling is growing in Scotland – for commuting, fitness, and leisure – but with it comes the responsibility to make our roads safer for everyone.

The Cycling Road Safety Roadshow brings together experts from law, policing, advocacy, engineering, and local government to share knowledge, discuss solutions, and build stronger partnerships for safer cycling across Scotland.

Whether you’re a cyclist, campaigner, policymaker, or simply passionate about safer roads, this free event is for you.

Hear from a panel of leading voices in road safety and cycling:

Roz Galloway – Partner, Cycle Law Scotland

Expert in representing injured cyclists and championing legal rights on Scotland’s roads.

Scott Runicman – Cycling UK (Scotland)

Advocate for everyday cycling and accessible infrastructure.

Simon Bradshaw – Cycling Scotland

Specialist in cycling policy, training, and active travel initiatives.

Stewart Sinclair – Police Scotland Road Policing

Insights from law enforcement on cyclist safety, collisions, and enforcement.

Eric Hill – Sweco UK

Perspective from transport planning and infrastructure design.

Malcolm Hall – Glasgow City Council

Bringing a local authority viewpoint on cycling infrastructure and policy.

ALL DONATIONS TO SAMH WHEN REGISTERING

Stay of execution for third sector projects as EIJB forced to think again

EDINBURGH Integration Joint Board has reined back on plans to slash services delivered on their behalf by third sector organisations across the city. The EIJB is trying to tackle a massive funding deficit but bowed to pressure to rethink their plans at a meeting yesterday.

Change Mental Health is relieved that the Stafford Centre and services delivered in Edinburgh by the organisation are effectively safeguarded, for the time being, following yesterday’s decision by the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (EIJB). However, there is still a lot of work to be done to ensure better collaboration leading to better outcomes.

Nick Ward, CEO of Change Mental Health, said: “While this is good news for the people who use our services, we remain clear that the proposed cuts were in themselves not needed. They represented a tiny part of the EIJB’s budget while having a significant, detrimental effect upon Edinburgh’s population.

“The process they put in place was fundamentally flawed in its approach, causing unnecessary distress to both organisations and service users. It has been disheartening for the third sector to have to continually make the argument that cutting early intervention and prevention services will only ever result in greater costs in the end.

“The fact remains that there are still significant cuts taking place to mental health services in the city and our sympathy and solidarity goes out to those charities affected. We are very disappointed and concerned that many of these cuts have been passed that disproportionately affect ethnic minorities and LGBT+ people.

“We called for the EIJB’s proposals to be paused to allow for a full, evidence-led and co-produced redesign of services. That appears to be what will now happen and we are grateful for that.

“We will now be a part of a crucial recommissioning exercise that can enable services to be more integrated and cost-effective through a better collaborative approach.

“However, trust needs to be rebuilt. There needs to be full transparency and a genuine dedication to working with the third sector by the EIJB, as well as a commitment to the principles of community-based early intervention and preventative approaches. We’re here to work closely with them, along with our partners, to ensure that we can truly meet the needs of our communities.”

Speaking after the meeting, Billy Watson, Chief Executive of SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health), said: “We are in a mental health crisis, and community and preventative mental health support is an essential part of how we tackle it.

“We welcome the IJB’s decision not to go ahead with the original proposals which would have effectively ended that support in Edinburgh. However, we are disappointed that a number of impactful support and advocacy services have been cut.

“This process has shown that we need to come together – funders, providers and especially the people who need this support – to jointly design a mental health system that works for and meets the needs of the people of Edinburgh.

“Redhall Walled Garden will continue to provide essential support to people with mental health problems for the time being, albeit with reduced funding and a recommissioning process to come.

“We’re hugely grateful to everyone that came out in support of Redhall, including Edinburgh’s politicians, members of the public and, most importantly, the people we support at Redhall and who make it what it is.”

The IJB voted in favour of the proposals relating to agenda item 6.1.

Late Composite Proposal – Item 6.1 Review of Contracts and Service Level AgreementsDownload
Review of Contracts and Service Level AgreementsDownload

Nathan Evans and The Saint Phnx Band announce intimate gig to support Scotland’s mental health

Scottish music sensations Nathan Evans and Saint Phnx will be singing for the nation’s mental health at a special charity gig for SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health).

The unforgettable and intimate night of live music will be held at the stunning Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh on Friday 6 June, with just 150 pairs of tickets up for grabs at this exclusive event.

Tickets are available through a text to win prize draw, powered by the Fonix platform (www.fonix.com), giving fans the chance to win a pair of tickets by texting GIG to 84903.

You will be charged your standard network rate charge and a voluntary £3 donation to SAMH – You must be 18 or over and have the bill payer’s permission to enter. Entries close at 11:59pm on 11/05/2025.

See T&Cs at samh.org.uk/gstc

The event signals the start of SAMH’s new programme of special events, The Garden Sessions: an exclusive fundraising initiative that joins the magic of live music with support for vital mental health services.

Nathan Evans, known for his viral sea shanties, and chart-topping band Saint Phnx, will headline the first SAMH Garden Session, with more exclusive shows planned later in the year.

Nathan Evans said: “We’re absolutely buzzing to be part of the very first SAMH Garden Session. Playing an intimate show like this, in such a stunning setting, and for a cause as important as mental health, makes it really special for us.

“We can’t wait to be part of something so positive and memorable — it’s going to be an incredible night.”

Hazel McIlwraith, Director of Fundraising and Major Appeals at SAMH, said: “Music has an incredible ability to bring people together, lift spirits, and create lasting memories.

“Connecting with other people and being surrounded by nature is good for your mental health, and this special event will be an uplifting experience.

“With The Garden Sessions, we want to offer something truly unique that not only celebrates live music and gives fans the opportunity to see top artists up close, but also raises vital funds for mental health at a time when support is so desperately needed.”

SAMH recently announced plans to open The Nook, Scotland’s first ever network of walk-in mental health support hubs and proceeds from this event will help to support their establishment.

Find out more at samh.org.uk/the-nook.

Pilot walk-in mental health and wellbeing service to close its doors

‘NO FAMILY RECEIVING SUPPORT WILL BE LEFT ALONE’

“The Haven passes the baton to SAMH, leaving behind a wonderful legacy, proving Scotland’s mental health crisis can be reversed.” – Roslyn Neely – CEO, Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity 

A walk-in wellbeing and resilience pilot, developed to tackle Scotland’s mental health crisis will come to an end in the summer, after demonstrating unquestionably that early intervention can reduce mental health challenges among children and young people. 

The Haven opened at The Fraser Centre, Tranent in September 2023 under Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity’s ‘No Time To Wait’ strategy. It later moved to bigger premises in Haddington due to demand, and since opening the service has attracted 3,461 visits. Of these, 2,041 were children and young people and 1,420 were their affected family members. 

Roslyn Neely, CEO of Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity said: “We are incredibly sad that our pilot wellbeing and resilience service is coming to an end, but that was always our intention, as a charity we couldn’t fund this forever. 

“However we will close our doors with a huge sense of pride in what The Haven has achieved and a promise to all families receiving support that we will not turn our backs on them, we will continue to provide vital assistance, ensuring that the care and connection established through The Haven remain a core part of our work.”

Scotland’s national mental health charity, Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH), has recently announced The Nook, a network of mental health support hubs, which will build on the foundations laid by ECHC and the team at The Haven, marking a significant step forward for mental health support in Scotland, and beyond. 

Roslyn Neely continued: “We are delighted that our work will now contribute to a long-term, sustainable national approach to Scotland’s mental health crisis.

“The Haven passes the baton to SAMH, leaving behind a wonderful legacy, proving Scotland’s mental health crisis can be reversed, and we celebrate the fact that a major organisation like SAMH is stepping in to continue this important work. 

“Their ability to advocate for long-term government support means that children’s mental health remains firmly on the national agenda, and we wholeheartedly support this.”

The Haven is a groundbreaking two-year pilot which has successfully supported hundreds of families who have a child struggling with their mental health. Critically, it uses a walk-in format with no waiting lists.

The Haven takes a unique whole family approach, supporting not just the individual struggling with mental health challenges, but their parents, grandparents, siblings and carers.