SASW supports the need for a new Mental Health Strategy

SASW is backing calls for a radically new Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy in Scotland.

As one of 17 member organisations in Scotland's Mental Health Partnership, SASW supported the publication of a paper outlining a collective vision of a Scotland where good mental health and wellbeing can be enjoyed by all. "How we meet the mental health needs of all Scots" puts forward a number of proposals to the Scottish Government, including:

• Adopting a “Promote, Prevent, Provide” approach so that we foster good mental health for all whilst also providing high quality services for those with mental health conditions.

• Ensuring mental health is prioritised in all policies through a mental health impact assessment

• Developing a workforce strategy that enables new models of person-centred care to be provided

• A new consistent self-management approach to maintain recovery and prevent relapse among those with long term conditions

You can read an executive summary of the paper here.

SASW attended a parliamentary reception on 15 June to discuss the position paper with MSPs. At the event, the Minister for Wellbeing and Social Care confirmed that the Scottish Government will launch a consultation for a new Mental Health & Wellbeing Strategy in the coming weeks and we look forward to engaging with this process.

If you’d like to here more about the work of the Partnership, please get in touch with them here.