Support in Mind Scotland and its national policy influencing work

Support in Mind Scotland works to improve the wellbeing and quality of life of its 'community of interest' - people (including carers) affected by serious mental illness. As part of this, we work with national partners to influence policy and practice. A description of just some of the current national work we are undertaking is listed below. We have many other partnership links via our information and support services.

See me campaign
As a founder member of the see me alliance, Support in Mind Scotland is represented on its management group. Other Alliance members are SAMH, Penumbra, Hug and the Royal College of Psychiatrists (Scottish Division).

Early Intervention for people experiencing their first episode of psychosis.
For many years Support in Mind Scotland has promoted the development of Early Intervention services in Scotland for people experiencing their first episode of psychosis. Clear evidence now exists not only for the humanitarian benefits of such services but also of the economic benefits to the NHS - and the wider community - because people tend to make a better recovery, and have reduced likelihood of relapse when early intervention has been available. We are working with the Universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh to increase understanding of the importance and urgency of establishing these services in Scotland and recently met with the Scottish Government to discuss the rapidly developing evidence base for better outcomes all round.

Bipolar Scotland
We are working together with other mental health organisations and in particular with Bipolar Scotland to address concerns over welfare reform.

Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland
We keep the MWCS informed of areas of particular concern to our community of interest and assist the Commission in setting annual priorities for its work.

Principles into Practice Network
The PiP Network is co-ordinated by the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland and promotes the translation of the Principles of teh Mental health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 into meaningful practice in all mental health services. Support in Mind Scotland is a member of its Steering Group.

Forensic Mental Health Services Managed Care Network
Support in Mind Scotland has a special interest in the needs of service users who require care and treatment in secure settings, and in the issues faced by their carers and families. This Network brings together a wide range of interests to bring Scotland-wide approach to the planning of local services, promoting good practice in patients' journey through the 'forensic' system and promoting education and training for professionals. Our organisation is represented on the national advisory board of the network.

NHS Education Scotland
Since the publication of the 'Rights,Relationships,Recovery' (the '3Rs') mental health nursing review in 2006,Support in Mind Scotland has been represented on the Scottish Government's Implementation Steering Group, overseeing the implementation of the Action Plan. The plan outlined the actions required to progress the corporate NHS responsibility and the individual responsibilities of mental health nurses, who, as the single biggest workforce grouping in mental health,can have a tremendous impact on people's experiences of mental health services. Service user and carer involvement are at the heart of the 3Rs.