Mental health strategy

A number of public events will be held so that people can give their views on a new plan to transform Scotland’s mental health.

The events will take place in four venues around the country in August and September. Feedback will be used to inform Scotland’s new strategy for mental health, which will be published later this year. Opinions and views can also be given online.

Minister for Mental Health, Maureen Watt, launched the public events programme at a visit to the Flourish Health charity in Glasgow today. She met management, staff and service users and found out what they think should be included in Scotland’s new mental health strategy.

Flourish House is an independent charity, founded in 1997, that aims to enable people with mental illness to regain purposeful lives in their communities.

The public events, hosted by NHS Health Scotland and Young Scot, will be held at the following locations:

30 August, Beach Ballroom Aberdeen
6 September, Discovery Point, Dundee
13 September, Trades Hall, Merchant City, Glasgow
14 September, CoSLA Education Centre, Edinburgh*

Ms Watt said:

“We want to gather as many views we can, from a range of people and organisations who have an interest in mental health, or a view on services. Out new strategy for mental health will set out our vision for how to transform these services over the next decade.

“I want this strategy to be ambitious and to focus on things that will make a real difference to mental health and wellbeing in Scotland. To do that we need to hear from people with a direct experience.

“There has been an increased focus on mental health in recent years and this is something that I, as the UK’s first dedicated minister for mental health, welcome. The Scottish Government has announced an additional £150 million of funding in this area over a five year period, but we need to look well beyond that, and that is what we’ll do in our new strategy.”

The new mental health strategy will focus on themes including prevention and early intervention, responses in primary care settings, improving the physical health of those with mental health problems, and improving access to mental health services.

John Linn, General Manager for Flourish House, said:

"Flourish House is delighted to be hosting a visit from Mental Health Minister Maureen Watt to mark the launch of the next phase of public engagement on the new Mental Health strategy for Scotland. Flourish House is dedicated to promoting good mental health through providing a safe environment where individuals can participate in their own recovery through our vocational day programme, education and employment opportunities and health and wellbeing activities. We support the strategic priorities of 'living and aging well' and are excited to be a part of the conversation and journey of making a healthier Scotland."

Background:

* At the Edinburgh venue, videoconference facilities will be available for those who cannot attend the events in person. This can be requested on the booking form.

To find out more details about the public events and to book a place visit: https://mentalhealthstrategyevents.eventbrite.co.uk . Places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Young Scot will hold an additional event specifically for young people to get their views and comments but young people are also welcome to attend the above events. For more information on the Young Scot event email codesign@young.scot.

To give views on Mental Health in Scotland – a 10 year vision visit gov.scot and click on consultations, or click this link https://consult.scotland.gov.uk/mental-health-unit/mental-health-in-scotland-a-10-year-vision