Mental health
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Voice of the Infant: best practice guidelines and infant pledge
Co-produced by a short-life working group, on behalf of the Infant Mental Health Implementation and Advisory Group, which is part of the Scottish Government’s Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Programme Board.
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The Carer's Assistance (Carer Support Payment) (Scotland) Draft Regulations 2023
Where Scottish Ministers propose to make regulations under the Social Security (Scotland) Act 2018, they must make proposals publicly available. This page contains draft Carer Support Payment (Scotland) 2023 regulations which were sent to the Scottish Commission on Social Security on 3 March 2023.
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Scottish local government finance - Green Book: 2023-2024
Scottish Local Government Finance Settlement 2023-24: Funding Allocation Formula.
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Dementia strategy - national conversation: what people told us
High-level summary of the collective written and oral evidence we received on our national conversation to information a new dementia strategy. It outlines the range of responses received, as well as the evidence-based rigour we brought to this analysis through using thematic analysis techniques.
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Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund - year 1: projects awarded 2021 to 2022
List of projects awarded in 2021 to 2022, for the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund.
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Learning Disability, Autism and Neurodiversity Bill: scoping work analysis 2022 - easy read
Easy read version of a report summarising the findings of the Learning Disability, Autism and Neurodiversity Bill pre-consultation exercise.
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Learning Disability, Autism and Neurodiversity Bill: scoping analysis 2022
This report summarises the findings of the Learning Disability, Autism and Neurodiversity Bill pre-consultation exercise. It is an analysis of 30 workshops carried by Scottish Government and its partners with people with learning disabilities and autistic people.
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Choosing a care home on discharge from hospital: guidance
Refreshed guidance for health boards, local authorities and Integration Authorities on supporting patients and families through the process of choosing a care home on discharge from hospital.
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Health and social care: data strategy
Scotland’s first data strategy for health and social care, setting out how we will work together in transforming the way that people access their own data to improve health and wellbeing; and how care is delivered through improvements to our systems.
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Health and social care: data strategy - executive summary
Executive summary of the data strategy for health and social care.
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Mental health and wellbeing strategy: consultation analysis - executive summary
In spring 2023, we will publish a new Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy which will be informed by the public consultation analysis. The consultation results have been independently analysed to produce a full report, supplementary report, and executive summary.
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More funding to help parents and infants at risk
Supporting perinatal and infant mental health.
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Perinatal and infant mental health services: update
Outlines the development of services in perinatal and infant mental health across each health board in Scotland as of August 2022. It covers mother and baby units, community perinatal mental health, maternity/neonatal psychological interventions and infant mental health.
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Independent Oversight and Assurance Group on Tayside's Mental Health Services
Final Report from the Independent Oversight and Assurance Group on Tayside's Mental Health Services.
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Mental health festive support
Help for those who may need it.
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Coronavirus Act 2020: Named Person - witnessing of signatures
Guidance on the implementation of temporary emergency powers which temporarily removes the requirement for a nominated person to have their signature witnessed by a prescribed person.
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National carers strategy
Unpaid care is vital to how social care is provided in Scotland, and the value of the dedication and expertise of carers cannot be overstated. This strategy sets out a range of actions to ensure they are supported fully in a joined up and cohesive way.
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National carers strategy: executive summary
Unpaid care is vital to how social care is provided in Scotland, and the value of the dedication and expertise of carers cannot be overstated. This strategy sets out a range of actions to ensure they are supported fully in a joined up and cohesive way.
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Rare disease action plan
Scotland’s first action plan for rare disease sets out the actions that we, our NHS, partners and stakeholders will take to improve the lives of people in living with a rare disease. The plan supports the shared priorities of the 2021 UK Rare Diseases Framework.
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Adult secondary mental health services - quality standards: consultation
We want to hear your views on the draft quality standards for adult secondary mental health services. We have asked a series of questions, and your answers to these will help us write the final standards and develop how we measure if these standards are being met.
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Delivery of psychological therapies and interventions - national specification: consultation - easy read
We want to hear your views on their new outcomes for psychological therapies and interventions. We have asked a series of questions, and your answers to these will help us write the final outcomes.
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Adult secondary mental health services - quality standards: consultation - easy read
We want to hear your views on their new standards for adult secondary mental health services. We have asked a series of questions, and your answers to these will help us write the final standards.
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Delivery of psychological therapies and interventions: national specification
We want to hear your views on the draft specification for psychological therapies and interventions. We have asked a series of questions, and your answers to these will help us refine the final specification and develop how we will measure if the specification is being met.
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Inpatient census 2022: hospital based complex clinical care and long stay
Results from the Hospital Based Complex Clinical Care (HBCCC) and Long Stay Census, carried out in April 2022. The data was collected as part of the Inpatient Census.
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Inpatient census 2022: parts one and two
Results of the sixth Mental Health & Learning Disability Inpatient Census and Out of Scotland NHS Placements Census, 2022.
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Learning Disability, Autism and Neurodiversity Bill - Lived Experience Advisory Panel: recruitment information
We are looking to recruit neurodivergent people to take part in a panel that will help us design an inclusive consultation for a new proposed bill.
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Learning Disability, Autism and Neurodiversity Bill - Lived Experience Advisory Panel: recruitment information - easy read
We are looking to recruit neurodivergent people to take part in a panel that will help us design an inclusive consultation for a new proposed bill.
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Substance use and mental health concerns - The Way Ahead: rapid review recommendations
A set of independent recommendations to the Scottish Government on how to improve care for people with co-occurring mental health and substance use conditions. It forms part of a wider rapid review of co-occurring substance use and mental health concerns in Scotland.
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Drug and alcohol services - co-occurring substance use and mental health concerns: literature and evidence review
Review of the existing evidence on co-occurring substance use and mental health concerns and the integration of mental health and substance use services relevant to a Scottish context. It forms part of a wider rapid review of co-occurring substance use and mental health concerns in Scotland.
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Drug and alcohol services - co-occurring substance use and mental health concerns: survey
This report presents the results of a survey of individuals working within services that provide support to people who use drugs or alcohol. It forms part of a wider rapid review of co-occurring substance use and mental health concerns in Scotland.
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Alcohol and Drug Partnerships (ADP) 2021/22 annual returns: summary report
Summary of responses to the Scottish Alcohol and Drug Partnership (ADP) annual survey. Its main aim is to evidence progress of the National Mission by providing information on the activity undertaken by ADPs.
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Restricting alcohol advertising and promotion: consultation - easy read
This consultation seeks views on potential restrictions to alcohol advertising and promotion in Scotland.
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Restricting alcohol advertising and promotion: consultation
This consultation seeks views on potential restrictions to alcohol advertising and promotion in Scotland.
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Care in the Digital Age: delivery plan 2022 to 2023
The national delivery plan describes activities supporting Health Boards, HSCPs, local authorities, primary care, social care, social work, and care providers to offer new or improved services, whether through improved systems and infrastructure, or access to digital services.
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Scottish Health Survey 2021 published
Scotland’s Chief Statistician released The Scottish Health Survey 2021 today. This publication provides information on the health of adults and children in Scotland.
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The Scottish Health Survey 2021: summary report
Key findings from the Scottish Health Survey 2021 report.
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The Scottish Health Survey 2021 - volume 2: technical report
This publication pesents information on the methodology and fieldwork from the Scottish Health Survey 2021.
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The Scottish Health Survey 2021 - volume 1: main report
Presents results for the Scottish Health Survey 2021, providing information on the health and factors relating to health of people living in Scotland.
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Scottish Carer's Assistance: consultation analysis
Independent analysis of responses to the Scottish Carer's Assistance consultation, a new Scottish benefit which will replace Carer’s Allowance, and be delivered by Social Security Scotland. The consultation was undertaken between 28 February 2022 and 23 May 2022.
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Access to counsellors in secondary schools and children and young people’s community mental health services – summary reports
An analysis of information provided by local authorities on the school counselling service and community mental health supports in their area.
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Infant mental health: evidence review
This report covers the key findings of a rapid literature review of UK research on infant mental health, in addition to interviews with members of infant mental health clinical teams in NHS Fife and NHS Lanarkshire.
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New custodial unit for women
Glasgow centre is aimed at transforming support for women in custody.
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A new story for Dementia
Voices of people with dementia, their families and carers to shape new strategy.
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Creating Hope Together: suicide prevention strategy 2022 to 2032
Scotland's Suicide Prevention Strategy covering the period from 2022 to 2032.
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Creating Hope Together: suicide prevention action plan 2022 to 2025
Scotland's Suicide Prevention Action Plan covering the period from 2022 to 2025.
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Suicide Prevention Strategy – ‘Creating Hope Together’
New approach to reducing suicide in Scotland.
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Extra support for mental health at work
Employers given tools to understand and improve mental health of workers.
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Mental health workers: quarterly performance reports
Quarterly performance updates for action 15 of the Mental Health Strategy which confirms the number of (Whole Time Equivalent) mental health workers in post.
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Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service (SARCS): information
This leaflet provides information on how to Self-refer to a Sexual Assault Response Coordination Service (SARCS). It provides information on accessing healthcare through NHS Scotland for anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted.
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Victims will benefit from key support
£48m funding underlines government commitment.
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Strokes: progressive stroke pathway
The progressive stroke pathway, produced by the National Advisory Committee for Stroke (NACS), sets out a vision of what progressive stroke care in Scotland should comprise.
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Additional funding for Community mental health
£6 million to meet demand for mental health projects.
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New vision for justice
Victims placed at the heart of ensuring just, safe, and resilient communities.
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Help for people living with dementia
Extra £1 million will help people shape the services they need.
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Looking after social work and social care staff
New £1 million fund for workforce wellbeing.
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Increasing mental health support in GP practices
Funding to reach £40 million a year.
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Mental health over the festive season
Support available for those who may be struggling.
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Record £18 billion for health and social care
Budget focus on pandemic recovery.
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£15 million to help improve mental wellbeing
New Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund launched.
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Improving response for people at risk of suicide
Group to drive forward approach.
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Caring for those who care for us
Wellbeing support for staff in health and social care.
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Recognising the impact of trauma
Funding for services to help support those affected
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Education recovery
Setting out the way forward.
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Tackling mental health stigma and discrimination
See Me awarded continued funding.
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Funding for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
Support for children and young people with mental health issues, and those with neurodevelopmental support needs.
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Children and young people - national neurodevelopmental specification: principles and standards of care
Seven standards for services to support children and young people who have neurodevelopmental profiles with support needs and require more support than currently available.
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Funding to enhance football mental wellbeing programme
Changing Room – Extra Time launched.
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NHS Recovery Plan
More than £1 billion to improve care and tackle backlog.
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Women's Health Plan
Tackling inequalities and improving health.
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Prehabilitation for cancer patients
£270,000 pilot scheme gives pre-treatment support.
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Additional funding to help people with eating disorders
£5 million to help respond to increased cases.
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Scoping review of intensive psychiatric inpatient care provision for young people in Scotland: report
Report on a scoping review of intensive psychiatric inpatient care provision for young people in Scotland.
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Dementia - health and social services staff: framework - Promoting Excellence 2021
Promoting Excellence 2021 is a framework for all health and social services staff working with people with dementia, their families and carers.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19) dementia action plan: equality impact assessment - summary
This equality impact assessment summary focuses on our national action plan to continue to support recovery for people with dementia and their carers. The document summarises evidence around equalities categories and outlines a number of actions required to ensure equitable access to the plan.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19) dementia action plan: equality impact assessment
This equality impact assessment (EQIA) considers evidence around equalities categories and outlines a number of actions required to ensure equitable access to the policies in our national action plan to continue to support recovery for people with dementia and their carers.
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Eating disorder services review: summary recommendations
Report and recommendations from the National Review of Eating Disorder Services.
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Improving support for people with an eating disorder
National review of services published.
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Welfare Advice and Health Partnerships
Over £3 million for money advice services in GP surgeries.
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Mental health support for hospitalised COVID-19 patients
Funding to establish network of clinicians.
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Perinatal mental health - peer support: action plan – 2020 to 2023
The Peer Support in Perinatal Mental Health Action Plan is a follow up to Review of the evidence for Peer Support in Perinatal Mental Health Report which was published in October 2020.
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More mental health workers recruited
Improving access to dedicated professionals.
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Mental health strategy: third annual progress report
Our third progress report on the mental health strategy 2017 to 2027.
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Independent Forensic Mental Health Review: final report
This final report sets out the Review's recommendations for change. A summary and easy read version are also available.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): mental health tracker study - wave 2 report
Wave 2 findings (data collected from 17 July and 17 August 2020) indicate increased rates of suicidal thoughts, no significant changes in rates of depression or anxiety, and an improvement in most other indicators of mental health and wellbeing, compared to Wave 1 (data from 28 May to 21 June 2020)
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Community mental health and wellbeing supports and services: framework
This framework sets out a clear broad approach for the support that children and young people should be able to access for their mental health and emotional wellbeing within their community.
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Suicide prevention action plan 2018 - 2020: review
A review of progress made on Every Life Matters, Scotland’s Suicide Prevention Action Plan (SPAP) 2018 – 2021, over the period September 2018 to October 2020.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19) - dementia and COVID-19: national action plan - easy read
This Plan, written in partnership with COSLA and key stakeholders, explains how the Scottish Government is working with others to support people with dementia and their families to get the right care, treatment and support at the right time as we come through and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19) - dementia and COVID-19: national action plan - easy read
This Plan, written in partnership with COSLA and key stakeholders, explains how the Scottish Government is working with others to support people with dementia and their families to get the right care, treatment and support at the right time as we come through and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Mental health transition and recovery plan: CRWIA Stage 1
Children's Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA) stage 1 screening document for Children and Young People's Mental Health policy, confirming the need for a full assessment to take place in response to the recently published mental health transition and recovery plan.
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Enhanced support for people in emotional distress
Local services continue to expand.
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Over £16 billion investment in health
Funding for NHS, mental health and drug services.
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Mental health support for health and social care staff
Frontline workers to get specialist help.
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Strengthening support for people with dementia and their carers
New dementia recovery plan published.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19) - dementia and COVID-19: action plan
This national action plan plan sets out how we will build on our national response to the coronavirus pandemic since March 2020 and how we will continue and expand that response in 2021 to continue to support recovery for people with dementia and their carers.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19) - dementia and COVID-19: action plan
This national action plan plan sets out how we will build on our national response to the coronavirus pandemic since March 2020 and how we will continue and expand that response in 2021 to continue to support recovery for people with dementia and their carers.
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Mental health support for veterans
More funding for services.
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Coronavirus Act 2020 - impact on mental health legislation: update
An update from the Mental Health Directorate on the Coronavirus Act 2020 as it relates to Scottish mental health legislation.
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More mental health support for students
Extra £1.32 million to improve wellbeing.
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Children and young people’s mental health
£15 million to help with impact of pandemic.
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Peer support in perinatal mental health: evidence review
This internship project report reviews the evidence base for peer support in perinatal mental health, considering evidence of effectiveness, models of support currently in place and potential ways of further developing peer support in Scotland.
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Supporting Scotland’s mental health recovery
Addressing the psychological impact of the pandemic.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): mental health - transition and recovery plan - summary
This summary document highlights our key commitments to respond to the mental health impacts of COVID-19 as set out in the full plan.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): mental health - transition and recovery plan
This plan outlines our response to the mental health impacts of COVID-19. It addresses the challenges that the pandemic has had, and will continue to have, on the population’s mental health.
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Supporting and celebrating different minds
£250,000 funding to help people with autism.
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Mental health support for COVID-19 patients
National network to ensure long-term recovery.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): mental health needs of hospitalised patients - report
Dr Nadine Cossette, liaison psychiatrist, Royal Infirmary Edinburgh, was commissioned to examine mental health needs of patients hospitalised due to COVID-19. Her report contains analysis of need and recommendations for action to support recovery.
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Support for self-isolating students
Minister says physical and mental wellbeing the priority
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Suicide prevention leadership group: second annual report
The second annual report of the National Suicide Prevention Leadership Group (NSPLG).
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Scottish Health Survey 2019 published
Scotland’s Chief Statistician today released the Scottish Health Survey 2019, providing information on the health, and factors relating to health, of adults and children in Scotland.
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Strengthening support for school staff
Package will include help with mental health.
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Independent Forensic Mental Health Review: interim report
This interim report describes the evidence gathered during the review’s consultation phase. A summary and easy read version are also available.
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More mental health support for health and social care staff
New helpline will provide round the clock service.
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Supporting adult survivors of in care childhood abuse
Additional funding to extend services.
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Admission to adult mental health wards for under 18's - adaptation for Scotland: guidance
Best practice guidance to aid implementation of s23 of the Mental Health (Care & Treatment)( Scotland) Act 2003 which places a duty on health boards to provide sufficient services and accommodation to meet the needs of young people under 18 when they are admitted to hospital for treatment of a mental disorder.
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Supporting mental health and wellbeing
Community projects given £8 million to help combat isolation.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): use of clinical frailty scale - letter from Principal Medical Officer
Letter from the Prinicipal Medical Officer Dr Mitchell to NHS Boards, to ensure clarity in relation to the use of the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) and the use of Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) with younger patients, those with a stable long term physical need, learning disability or autism.
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Unique support for health and social care
New resources for staff, carers, volunteers and their families.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): principles for mental health services - letter from Minister for Mental Health
Letter from Clare Haughey MSP, Minister for Mental Health, to health boards and local authorities including a set of principles, building on existing Mental Health Act principles, designed to support active local decision making and promote consistency during COVID-19 mobilisation.
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Supporting mental health
Further investment to help children and families during pandemic.
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Support for autistic people
Funding boost for specialist organisations to deal with coronavirus pressures.
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Support for perinatal mental health
Funding for charities to help families.
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New mental health support
Helping people cope during COVID-19.
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Scotland's Mental Health First Aid – Young People – Year 3 report
Scotland’s Mental Health First Aid – Young People – Year 3 report
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Mental health first aid for young people: year 2 report
Information about mental health first aid for young people.
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Scotland's Mental Health First Aid – Young People – Year 1 report
Scotland’s Mental Health First Aid – Young People – Year 1 report
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Review of eating disorder services
Recommendations expected in Spring 2021.
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Mobile screen exposure can lead to poor sleep
Report highlights impact on young people’s mental health.
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Scottish Budget 2020-21
Tackling the climate emergency and protecting public services.
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Improving mental health services for young people
Plan to ensure consistent high standards.
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Support for mental health services at NHS Tayside
Range of actions implemented ahead of independent inquiry report.
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Factors affecting children’s mental health and wellbeing: findings
Results from the 2015- 2017 Realigning Children's Services Wellbeing Surveys into factors effecting mental health and wellbeing amongst children and young people in Scotland.
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Support for mental health at Christmas
Reducing stress and anxiety.
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Mental Health First Aid: data protection impact assessment
A data protection impact assessment for the internal staff Mental Health First Aid procedure.
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Mental Health Strategy annual forum: ministers speech
The Minister for Mental Health Clare Haughey addresses the Mental Health Strategy annual forum on 27 November 2019.
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Improving perinatal mental health
Charities to support more women and families.
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Mental health in schools
Dedicated counselling service for pupils.
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Mental health strategy 2017-2027: second progress report
Our second progress report on the Mental Health Strategy 2017-2027.
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More mental health support for students
Funding to appoint counsellors in colleges and universities.
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Developing the mental health research landscape in Scotland: working paper
Working paper setting out our ambitions for improving the quality and quantity of mental health clinical research in Scotland.
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New President of Mental Health Tribunal
Laura Dunlop QC appointed.
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Inpatient Census 2019: parts one and two
Results of the fifth Mental Health & Learning Disability Inpatient Census and Out of Scotland NHS Placements Census, 2019.
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Suicide prevention leadership group: annual report 2019
The first annual report of the National Suicide Prevention Leadership Group.
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Scottish Health Survey 2018 published
Scotland’s Chief Statistician today released The Scottish Health Survey 2018, providing information on the health, and factors relating to health, of adults and children in Scotland.
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New group to help prevent suicide
Lived experience panel announced.
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Mental health support for new mums
Rollout of £1 million for counselling and befriending.
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Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Programme Board: delivery plan 2019-2020
Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Programme Board delivery plan for 2019 to 2020.
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Identifying and responding to trauma
Training for frontline service staff.
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Children and Young People's Mental Health Task Force: recommendations
Recommendations from Children and Young People’s Mental Health Task Force to Scottish Government and COSLA.
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Support for emergency responders
Wellbeing and resilience programme extended to emergency services.
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Improvements to psychosis services
New proposals for the early treatment of psychosis.
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Supporting young mums
New report highlights the success of the Family Nurse Partnership.
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New social media advice for young people
Scottish Government funds innovative project on screen time.
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Suicide prevention training launched
Football clubs to receive training for players and staff.
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Mental health pilot project extended
Distress Brief Intervention programme available to 16 and 17-year-olds.
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Addressing body image
Group to examine impact on mental health.
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Investment in social media support
New steps to support young people’s mental health.
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Increasing support for those with autism
Improving awareness and diagnosis.
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Review of the Mental Health Act
Future direction of mental health and incapacity legislation.
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Keys to life: implementation framework and priorities 2019-2021 - easy read version
New framework to implement the 'Keys to life' learning disability strategy.
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Improving mental health services
Delivery of forensic mental health services to be reviewed.
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Mental health care for new mums
Funding to improve standards.
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Increase in mental health workforce
Progress towards 800 additional workers in key settings.
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Mental health: PfG delivery plan
Sets out the approach to the mental health commitments in the Programme for Government.
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Helping disabled people into employment
Social Security Scotland will learn from Scotland-India partnership
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Mental health strategy 2017-2027: first progress report
Our first progress report on the Mental Health Strategy 2017 to 2027.
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Children and Young People's Mental Health Task Force: preliminary view and recommendations from the Chair
This preliminary, exploratory phase has formed Dame Denise Coia's initial recommendations and will inform setting up the Task Force structure needed to take forward the work of making real improvement.
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Suicide prevention action plan: every life matters
The new action plan has been designed to continue the work from the 2013-2016 suicide prevention strategy and the strong downward trend in suicide rates in Scotland.
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National dementia strategy: 2017-2020
Our new strategy builds on progress over the last decade in transforming services and improving outcomes for people affected by dementia.
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Mental Health Strategy 2017-2027
The Scottish Government's approach to mental health from 2017 to 2027 – a 10 year vision.
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The Scottish Strategy for Autism
Scottish Strategy for Autism to ensure that progress is made across Scotland in delivering quality services for people with autism and their families.
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