Links to recent news stories and bulletins from other mental health organisations across Scotland

January 2020

New report on technology's influence on the mental health of young people

The Royal College of Psychiatrists have issued their report over concern of the influence of social media on young people - read the full document here

The Gambling Commission review on online gambling announcement

From April 2020 online gambling using credit cards will be banned - read the Gambling Commission's report here

A Link to support can be found here 

Mental Health Law Review Update

A progress report on the review process, which commenced in Spring 2019 - can be accessed here

Realigning Children's Services wellbeing survey results

The Scottish Government publishes results of a survey looking at pupils' wellbeing in relation to different aspects of their lives - read it here

Restrictive interventions and the effect on young people's mental health

Mental Health Network UK have carried out a review on school processes in relation to young people's behavioural issues and mental health - read the article here and the report here

Cardiff University study on schizophrenia published

A new study looking at the biological causes of schizophrenia is published - read the Nature Neuroscience Journal article here

December 2019

Homelessness in Scotland continues to be challenging

The Homeless Network Scotland reports on the latest situation regarding homeless people in Scotland here, with further related links including  government report  - other news about support projects and studies can be found here

Scottish Government seeks to improve CAMHS access

Inconsistencies in Child and Mental Health Services concerning age limits are being addressed via this link

The Lancet Psychiatry reviews the history of asylums

The Lancet looks at how health professionals can learn from past mental health services - read more with links here 

Resilience and Mental health

A new article in The Lancet Psychiatry considers different factors contributing to resilience and mental health - for summary and links please read more

Scotland sees frontline medical care rise

Amongst an increase in vacancies being filled GP training posts rise by 21% - read full article here 

Scottish Government supplies grant for peri-natal mental health

Eleven third-sector organisations will benefit from training in order to help with peri-natal mental health issues - read the article here

November 2019

Children's rights to health and education to be part of Scots law

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child  (UNCRC) is to be incorporated into Scots law affecting education, health and equality - read more detail here

Homeless in equalities in Scotland published

Recently released statistics indicating homelessness equalities include significant percentage of single women are affected by mental health issues - read more here

Scottish Government continues to provide Carers Allowance

The majority of Carers will receive their Carers Allowance supplement by Christmas - for more information please read here

Dedicated counselling for secondary school pupils

The Scottish Government has confirmed the provision of counselling services for all those in  Scottish secondary schools who need it from next September - read the details here

University research report advocates 'Nature Prescriptions'

Leeds Beckett University and The Wildlife Trusts find more evidence to support the need for outdoor activity - read the report here

Scottish Midwives call for more perinatal mental health training

New survey shows midwives struggle to get the training needed to help women - read the article from the Royal College of Midwives here

Annual Bullying Survey report published

Read Ditch the Label's largest benchmark survey here 

Prevention versus intervention in school health

The Lancet Psychiatrist report looks at changes in schools around the mental health of pupils - read more here

Scottish Government and Aberlour support new mums

A new investment to support new mums' mental health through befriending and support services is now being rolled out - read more

October 2019

Equality and Human Rights Commission produce latest report 

A study on racial harassment in UK Universities looks at how this affects student well-being and other issues - read the report here

Mental Welfare Commission Scotland report on compulsory treatment

The MWCS report on the latest figures and areas of Scotland which have issued compulsory treatment orders.

The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland appoint new executive

Dr Arun Chopra is the new executive director (medical) at the MWCS - read more

Abuse and neglect in childhood and the effect on mental health

The Lancet publishes articles and reports on this issue which can be accessed here and here

New HMC report further social media pressure

Young people are becoming accused of 'sadfishing' through online use - read more  on the Digital Awareness UK report

Scotland becomes the first country in UK to ban smacking of children

Scottish Parliament vote will give children the same protection as adults from assault - read the news article here with more background information here

Scottish Health Survey 2018

Facts and figures on all aspects of Scottish health can be found here

September 2019

The link between pre-natal stress and personality disorder

The British Journal of Psychiatry looks at the associations in this report

Suicide rates in Scotland increase in the past year

Men are at most risk from suicide as this report shows, along with other link to NHS Information Services  

The benefits of music therapy for dementia patients

NHS Fife complete a study looking at the calming effects of music - read more

University of London research looks at effect of anti-depressant

The Lancet Psychiatry reports on the clinical effectiveness of Sertraline.

August 2019

Cognitive impairment affected by major depression

The Lancet Psychiatry looks into how cognitive function can be affected by major depressive episodes - read the summary reports here and here 

Are two treatments better than one?

The Lancet looks at youth depression and improved treatment - read more here

Migration and Mental Health

The Lancet Psychiatry report on megacities, migration and mental health - access link to article here

Report on risk to winter babies 

Research by Cardiff University highlights risk of mental health disorders in winter babies - read the article here

July 2019

EMPOWER are holding a free event on 21 August.

Find out more about attending Digital technology and psychosis: what’s happening now? here.

Mental Welfare Commission releases report on 2018 local visit outcomes 

The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland has released a new report about the recommendations it made on its local visits to hospital wards, units and prisons in 2018. Read the article here.

June 2019

Victory for third sector poverty campaign

This week the Scottish Government confirmed that it will fast-track family income supplement - read the TFN article here 

Police and ex-addicts in Edinburgh team up to fight drug related deaths

A police initiative to tackle drug related deaths is praised by drug agency - read the article here and more about the Aid & Abet project here

The right services, at the right time, for the right people

Read the Lancet Psychiatry Article on the importance of early diagnosis here

Scottish Government makes commitments around young people's mental health

The FeelsFM campaign by See Me indicates that most young people are reluctant to share their feelings around mental health issues - read about the government's response here

Scottish Charity Awards 2019 announced

Scotland's top charities were represented by winners in this year's awards ceremony in Edinburgh - read more

Blue Badge Scheme extended

An 8-week consultation period has resulted in the Blue Badge scheme in England being extended to include mental health disability - read more here - and to read about Scotland's Blue Badge scheme eligibility click here

FASD Hub Scotland launched

Adoption UK Scotland have launched a support service for parents and carers of children with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder - read more here

Pre-school children are addicted to social media

A Barnardo's report Left to their Own Devices reveals the impact that social media has on young children's mental health and well-being - read more here

Scottish Older People's Assembly hold event for Veterans

A recent event held by SOPA has identified issues which concern older veterans and aims to  influence government policy - read the article here

Opioid-related deaths at crisis point

The Lancet Psychiatry journal identifies a significant increase in drug-related deaths in Scotland and England - read the article here

The Higher Education Policy Institute publishes a report on students' experiences

A Student Academic Experience report indicates students' preference for parental support around mental health issues  - read the report here and article with further related links here

Lifespan strategy to prevent adverse outcomes associated with hospitalisation

The Lancet Psychiatry journal looks into the study involving gathering data to support strategy - read more

Mental health should be embedded in school curriculum

A recent report by Scotland's Youth Commission on Mental Health recommends including mental health as part of the school curriculum.  Read the article here with further information here

Study looks into self-harm and lack of medical treatment 

The Lancet Psychiatry's research indicates that half of those who self-harm do not present at hospital - read more on the response to self-harming here and more detail here

Scottish Research body receives funding for Alzeimer's study

The UK Dementia Research Institute and University of Edinburgh embark on research at Edinburgh's BioQuarter - read more here and here

May 2019

Considerations for clinicians treating Muslim patients with a psychiatric disorder during Ramadan

Read the Lancet article on recent studies and considerations for different mental health issues  here 

Drug-related hospital admissions in Scotland highest recorded

A recent report indicates significant increase in hospital admissions - read the news article here with links to related topics, along with the ISO Scotland statistics report here

New report shows a big increase in demand for mental health support amongst higher education staff

A recently published paper from the Higher Education Policy Institute indicates an increase in staff accessing counselling and mental health related services - read more

The Pause initiative is introduced to Dundee

A programme which supports women with drug addiction and mental health issues if they agree to take contraception is being introduced in Tayside - read more here

Mental Health Services in Tayside

The interim report on the independent inquiry into mental health services in Tayside is published - read more

One Kind Thing campaign takes off

The Red Cross' latest campaign can benefit people's mental health - read more about the benefits and how to get involved  here and here 

Neighbourhood and mortality in mental illness

Read the Lancet Psychiatry's articles on the effect that the neighbourhood environment has on mental health here

Mental Health Foundation report on body image survey

A recent report indicates a third of Scotland's adults have issues around body image - read more

Bereavement can affect mental wellbeing for a long time

A Stirling University study, soon to be published , indicates the effect of the loss of a close friend - read more

Delivery on Welfare benefits warning

Audit Scotland indicates the need for clarity on how to best deliver benefits -   read more 

A scheme to help children sleep better indicates improved mental health

The Sheffield Children's Hospital scheme has positively affected the life of children experiencing ADHD and other mental health issue   - read more

April 2019

Lonely young adults live in all neighbourhoods

Read more about a King's College piece of research into young people's feeling of loneliness and the place they live. 

Research indicates an increase in depression connected with obesity in younger people

A recent study by the University of Liverpool looks into the links between obesity and depression  - read more here

Exam stress tackled as new campaign is launched

SAMH launches its Testing Times campaign to help students during exam-time - read more

Building the momentum and blueprint for reform in youth mental health

Read The Lancet article here on  mental health issues may affect the future of economic world growth, with links to related articles.

Latest visit reports from Mental Welfare Commission Scotland

The MWCS publish reports for fourteen hospitals throughout Scotland - read more

Mentally ill criminals to have specific sentencing guidelines

Guidelines for judges sentencing in England and Wales are changing to consider mentally ill offenders-  read more

February 2019

Mental Welfare Commission Scotland publish visit reports

Read more on the five latest visit reports by MWCS here

Scotland's farmers take part in mental health study

A study by Robert Gordon University and NHS Grampian is about to take place covering the north-east of Scotland - read more here, including information around contact details for those wishing to take part. 

Scottish researchers find 100 genes linked to depression

Led by the University of Edinburgh read more about the recent study here with links to the publishing scientific journal here

The Princes Trust  produces report on Youth Index results in Scotland

The recent report indicates the effect of social media on 16-25 year olds in Scotland - read more here and here 

Gut bacteria is linked to depression in a Belgian study

Read more about the links between gut health and mental illness in the article here and the scientific report here

A study reveals that tough cannabis policies do not deter use in young people

Read more of this article here with a link to the research carried out by the University of Kent here

Research found connection between cannabis use and depression in teens

A study by the University of Oxford and McGill University (Canada) identified a significant increased risk in depression and suicidality in adulthood.  Read the article on the University of Oxford's website here

Hundred of farmers in Northern Ireland deal with mental health issues

The charity Rural Support report on the growing numbers of farmers who contact them over financial and mental health issues - read the article here with further links to the charity here and here

The Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival 2019

The SMHAF writing competition for 2019 is now open.  The writing awards, hosted by Ian Rankin this year, has as its theme 'Connected'.  Read more here

The Lancet Psychiatry publishes study on historical treatment

The Wellcome Trust has funded research looking into previous treatment and attitudes towards lesbian and bi-sexual women - read more here

NHS survey in England indicates young people's mental health is getting worse

The results of  the survey indicate the rise in referrals to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in England. Read the article here with further link to the survey and also other parts of the UK here

Elderly people with depression less likely to be referred for psychological therapy

A study by University College London and the University of Bristol shows that four in ten people over the age of seventy five have depression.  Read more here with links to the British Journal of General Practice here.

Addressing physicians' mental health

The Lancet Psychiatry journal reports on concerns over mental health issues within the medical profession - read more here

Concerns over the time police officers spend in A&E

The majority of calls do not involve a crime but  police are often left to take vulnerable people for treatment, including those with mental health issues.  Read more here .

Five Ways to improve children's mental health

The World's Mental Health Organisation claim as many as one in ten children are diagnosed with a mental health condition. For more info and further links read more here

Families are advised to ban screens at bedtime

Four chief medical officers, including Scotland's Dr Catherine Calderwood, provide guidance on the use of mobile screens for children - read more here

January 2019

Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland launches new report

A report and good practice guide based on a study into Alcohol-related Brain Damage (ARBD) is release today by the MWCS - read the report here

Student resilience research rolled out in Scotland 

Academics are exploring what the concepts of mindfulness and resilience mean to students, through research being conducted at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, Scotland. Read more here

HRH Prince William speaks at Davos World Economic Forum about mental health

The Duke of Cambridge speaks of the lack of celebrity support for his Heads Together Campaign - read more here

Mental Health Law - a guide to named persons

The Scottish Government recently publishes latest guide to named persons to help understand rights - read more here

A Scottish Borders project looks at mountain biking's effect on mental health

An innovate pilot project in the Scottish Borders has found that mountain biking could have a positive effect on people currently experiencing mental ill health.  Read more here

Latest Hospital reports by the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland

Please find the latest inspection reports carried out by the MWCS here

Missed GP appointments highlight mental health issues

The news is highlighting a recent study by University of Glasgow which looks at the link between missed GP appointments and mental health issues.  Read more here 

Link between insomnia and depression

The Lancet Psychiatry summary article here discusses the new subtyping of insomnia disorder and its effect on depression.

Increase in compulsory mental health treatment

The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland indicates an increase of 4.1% in compulsory mental health treatment - read the report here

December 2018

Mental health issues in young people

The Lancet Psychiatry reports on a scoping review to consider interventions designed to address certain mental health issues in young people without the involvement of mental health professionals. Read the summary here

The effect of smoking on mental health

Read recent online reports from The Lancet Psychiatry on studies involving smoking and mental illness here and here

Independent Review of the Mental Health Act

The review will consider and make recommendations on improving legislation and practice around the Mental Health Act.  Read more here

The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland releases a new good practice guide

A new guide to help carers families, and practitioners understand consent, confidentiality, and sharing of information for people with mental illness, dementia, learning disability, or other related conditions can be read here

November 2018

Early intervention for depression in young people: a blind spot in mental health care

Read the summary article in The Lancet Psychiatrist here with further information on references.

Mental Welfare Commission Scotland publish latest hospital reports

Read the latest reports on twelve hospital visits here

Latest from The Lancet

Read the summary reviews in The Lancet on the Compulsory Community Treatment to reduce readmission to hospital here , and also Memory Boundaries on the treatment for anxiety, trauma-related and addiction disorders here

October 2018

Huge rise in Scotland in students seeking mental health support

Obtained by the BBC's Shared Data Unit , analysis shows a significant increase in mental health issues amongst students in Scotland over the last five years - read more here

Canada becomes second country to legalise recreational cannabis

Read a report and links to further information here

Rheumatoid arthritis and depression: an inflammatory perspective

Read more about this recognised issue in a summary of the above named article in The Lancet, along with other related articles,  here

Latest reports from Mental Welfare Commission Scotland

Please read the latest visit reports from the MWCS and more of their latest news here 

Ethnic equalities in Scottish mental health care

The University of Edinburgh has found that the number of people hospitalised in Scotland for mental health problems differs significantly between ethnic groups.  Read more here.

Sepember 2018

Rates of deliberate overdoses rising in younger people

In a UK-wide study carried out by the NHS researchers looked at data from GP records, hospital admissions and information from the Office for National Statistics to identify events affecting younger people - read more here.

Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland report on guardianship orders

A report published today by the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland shows that the use of guardianship orders, used to safeguard those who lack the capacity to make their own decisions, continues to rise.  Read the report here.

Nicola Sturgeon’s Programme for Government makes pledges on mental health

Hundreds of new nurses are to be recruited in schools as part of a £250 million package to cope with soaring demand for mental health services among young Scots, Nicola Sturgeon has announced.  Read more here

 

August 2018

Veterans' self-harm risk linked to length of service

Veterans who have served in the armed forces for a short time are at increased risk of self-harm, researchers have found.  Read the article here and full journal report here.

Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland publishes report on Borderline Personality Disorder

Following the recent report by the Royal College of Psychiatrists on Personality Disorder in Scotland (see item below) the MWCS publishes its own report on BPD - read it here

£1M boost for mental health service in Aberdeen

NHS Grampian has announced its plans to create an outpatient Centre of Excellence for Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMHS) following a funding boost - read more here

Veterans First Point Centre Grampian branch to close

The Grampian branch of a service which provides support to former service men and women is closing -  read the article here

The Money and Mental Health Policy Institute wants regulators to review the fairness of travel insurance

People with mental health problems face huge premiums or no access to travel insurance - even when their issues are well managed, a charity says - read more here

Former soldier calls for more PTSD help for veterans from MoD

A former soldier from Aberdeen has called on the Ministry of Defence to do more for veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  Read the article here

New report on Personality Disorder

This month the Royal College of Psychiatrists have published Personality disorder in Scotland: raising awareness, raising expectations, raising hope.  Read the report here

The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland today published eight new reports on its visits to NHS hospital wards and units

Read the details here

Place of Safety Monitoring Report

The Mental Welfare Commission today published a report on police use of place of safety orders in Scotland - read  the full report here.

Action to reduce suicide rate by 20% by 2022

The Scottish Government aims to reduce the number of suicides announces the new Mental Health Minister - read more here

The Prince's Countryside Fund launches Recharging Rural report

Rural communities are coming together to improve their quality of life but feel as though they are becoming more remote, according to research from The Prince’s Countryside Fund and Scotland’s Rural College - read the report here

July 2018

Orkney mental health charity receives funding

The Scottish Government have awarded £218,000 to the Orkney Blide Trust - read more here

Scottish universities are experiencing a sharp rise in demand for counselling

The warning from student body NUS Scotland comes as new figures show the number of students seeking counselling has nearly doubled in the past five years.  Read the article here

Latest Visit reports from the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland

Read the latest ten reports here

Farm Safety Week focus on mental health

16th July sees the start of Farm Safety Week which now also focuses on mental health issues among the farming community - read more here and on the Yellow Wellies website here.

The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland publishes visit reports

Ten hospital visit reports by the MWCS can be found via this link

June 2018

Teenage eating disorder treatment 'patchy'

The eating disorder charity Beat said anorexia nervosa had the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric illness.

It wants the Scottish government to introduce a specific, shorter waiting time target for eating disorders. Read more here

Social Attitudes Survey: Poor health caused by 'unjust society'

The Scottish Centre for Research has recently published a report, commissioned by NHS Scotland, revealing widespread awareness of a link between health and income inequalities in Scotland. Read the report here.

New Research into male suicide triggers

Suicide among men in Scotland is to be examined as part of an in-depth study by researchers at Glasgow University.  Read more detail here with more related information here

May 2018

How Dogs Can Help with Mental Health – Mind Boosting Benefits of Dog Ownership

Read about how one person found that owning a dog provided structure and comfort to a life affected by anxiety.

Drug addicts in Scotland 'waiting up to six months' for treatment

Read more about waiting times for those in Scotland who are affected here

Call for tougher suicide website action from internet providers

A mother who lost her daughter to suicide is now being backed by an MSP who has written to search engine and social media providers asking them to act. Read more

The apps designed to help mental health

New apps and platforms are increasingly seen as a way to reach younger people with mental health conditions - see more via this link.

April 2018

The UK's first Conference to deal with hoarding disorder to take place in Scotland

An Edinburgh conference in October 2018 will explore this disorder - more details with further links can be found here

Primary school mental health counselling may help economy, study says

Read more about how a charity's study on counselling has highlighted significant benefits.

Further hospital visits from Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland

The MWCS publishes their latest reports - read the details here

Research indicates need for diagnosis

A recent study by Lancet Psychiatry found that mental health patients preferred a diagnosis - read the article here with more information in the journal here

Scottish Highland Outdoor Activity project proves successful

Read more about this project which has been seen to provide benefit to both physical and mental health, here and here 

Choose Life identifies one of the reasons for high rate of suicide amongst men

A north east of Scotland suicide awareness group is aiming a new campaign at men going through a relationship break-up - read the article here with more links to further info and help

NHS Highland service affected by staff shortage

A reduction in adult bed availability at Inverness' New Craigs Hospital has been highlighted by NHS - read more here

Neil Lennon launches new project concerned with mental health

A new project 'The Changing Room' helps men tackle their mental health issues through football - read the SAMH article here

A survey carried out by NASUWT, The Teachers’ Union, reports on teachers' mental health

Teachers’ mental health and wellbeing has been balloted as the top motion at the NASUWT’s Annual Conference - read more on the results of the survey here

New Carers Scotland Act 2016

Support in Mind Scotland welcomes new legislation - read more 

March 2018

Times Education survey illustrates university students' mental-health and wellbeing

In the 2018 Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey, students were asked to score their institution on how well they felt their personal requirements were catered for and whether there was good welfare support available.  Read more on results here

Support in Mind Scotland receives funding from the Scottish Veterans Fund

An award of almost £29,000 has been made to Support in Mind Scotland in order to develop the existing Veterans Community Cafe at the Stafford Centre - read the full story here.

Latest hospital reports from the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland

Eleven new visit reports are published by the MWCS - read them here

Advocacy services under review as identified by MWCS

The MWCS have identified inconsistencies in the advocacy services after changes in the Mental Health Act 2015 made recommendations. Read more

More support for families affected by alcohol and drugs has been announced

The Scottish Government Substance Misuse Unit has launched a new small grants fund which aims to support families affected by alcohol or drugs.  Read more in the TFN article here

A new Suicide Prevention Action Plan has been drafted by the Scottish Government

A nationwide training programme which aims to reduce the amount of suicides in Scotland is set to be created.

The views of those who have been directly affected by suicide are being sought as part of the creation of the plan - please read more here where a link for input is provided.

Mental health teams help police in triage pilot in SW Scotland

A new, more flexible approach to dealing with people with mental health problems is being piloted across Dumfries and Galloway by the NHS and Police Scotland. Read more here

February 2018

Latest hospital reports from Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland

The MWCS have recently published nine new reports on its visits to NHS hospital wards and units - please read more here

New report indicates that anti-depressants work

Scientists say they have settled one of medicine's biggest debates after a huge study found that anti-depressants work.  Read the BBC report with links to the Lancet journal here

A Global Health Conference in Aberdeen raises the growing prescription of antidepressants to teenagers 

Medical experts debate the use of antidepressants with teenagers - read the BBC article

Mental and physical health programme for young people rolled out

A mental health project for young people with long-term physical conditions is being rolled out across Scotland.  Read more details here

SPFL Trust has undertaken mental health first aid training for club staff

A footballer has described being taunted by fellow players and fans after he spoke out publicly about his mental health struggles .  As a result MHFA training now available for club staff - read his story here

Recent NHS figures indicate the link between alcohol consumption and mental health issues

NHS Health Scotland looked at the number of deaths and hospital admissions caused by alcohol consumption in 2015.  For more information on number of people admitted with alcohol and mental health related issues read more here

January 2018

Scottish government plans changes to welfare claimants process

Welfare claimants may soon be able to have someone accompany them during the assessment processes - read more here

School staff in Scotland need mental health training

A leading Scottish charity calls for a mental health training programme in all schools - read more here

A University of Glasgow study shows women suffer from depression more than men during the winter

Seasonal depression over the year is reported in the Herald's article  here indicating further study would be recommended.

Scottish charity wins international film award 

Filmed in Edinburgh, Penumbra's In Place has won an international film documentary award and deals with mental health issues - read more here

   

December 2017

Further visits from the MWCS

The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland report on the latest hospital visits here

More young people are suffering from anxiety

The amount of youngsters contacting Childline to discuss anxiety issues has risen by 59% over the last two years.

Read the Third Force News article here.

Call for tripling of mental health budget for children and young people

The Scottish Children's Services Coalition has called for the Scottish Government to deliver a ‘Budget for Mental Health’ with an additional near £100 million investment a year in mental health services for children and young people, almost tripling the current budget.  Read more on the varying figures throughout Scotland here.

Peterhead FC tackling suicide and depression risks

The Scottish FA club is putting its players and officials through suicide prevention training in a project which it is hoped could be adopted by other teams around the country - read the article here

Scottish Government announce £95K mental health research involving young people

Young people will lead an in-depth, 15-month study into child and adolescent mental health services to recommend improvements to Ministers.  Read the full Scottish Government article here

Figures show over 45,000 students in Scotland sought counselling over last five years

The Independent reports on latest figures revealed this week - read more here.  For more information and link to NUS' 'Think Positive' click here

November 2017

UK Children with ADHD waiting the longest in Europe for diagnosis

 A report out this month reveals UK has longest waiting time for ADHD diagnosis - read more here

The Lancet publishes report on avatar focused trial

Confronting an avatar on a computer screen helped patients hearing voices to cope better with schizophrenic hallucinations, a UK trial has found - read the BBC article here and the full Lancet report here.

SEAN publishes annual report

The Scottish ECT Accreditation Network has produced its latest report - read more about the network here which will provide link to the report.

Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland latest report on 6 hospital visits

The MWCS latest mental hospital reports can be read here

Taxi Watch: Suicide prevention drive that saved 200 lives

Taxi drivers in Eire and Northern Ireland have set up Taxi Watch schemes with an aim to prevent suicides.  Read the background and developments here

Increase in eating disorder hospital patients in Scotland

NHS hospital figures in Scotland indicate a marked increase of eating disorder admission in the last ten years  - read more detail in the Herald article here

New report indicates how the inequality gap affects the mental health of primary school children

A Scottish Government funded study by a number of Scottish universities shows that the first three years of primary school sees a dramatic inequality gap open up when the mental health difficulties experienced by the poorest Scottish children are compared with the richest. Read the article here and links to publication.

The  Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland welcomes more public discussion around mental illness

The MWCS welcomed the openness of public figures in speaking about depression and anxiety - read their website report here

October 2017

MWCS report on increase in guardianship orders

New figures published today by the Mental Welfare Commission show a rise of 12.5% in existing guardianship orders in Scotland, to 12,082 at March 2017 - read more detail here

MWCS latest visit reports

The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland publishes the latest hospital reports on its website

Study on Borderline Personality Disorder by MWCS

During October and November the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland would like to hear from anyone over 18 who has any related experience in exploring issues which will assist in producing a report 2018.  All contributions would remain anonymous. Please find more here

MWCS report indicates drop in young people's treatment on non-specialist wards

A report published today shows a significant drop in the number of young people with mental illness being treated in non-specialist wards in Scotland for 2016-17, in a similar pattern to the previous year. Read more on this link.

Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland publish new treatment figures

New figures published today by the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland show an 8.2% increase in compulsory treatment for mental health in 2016/17 compared to the previous year.  Read more in the MWCS article.

Research recommends mental health training for all Scottish schools staff

SAMH have conducted research into the benefits of having all teachers trained in providing mental health support for pupils. Read the TES article here.

Putting counsellors in every secondary school would save millions in health costs

The Scottish Children's Services Coalition recommend that a mental health counsellor be placed in every Scottish secondary school to help alleviate waiting times for CAMHS - read more

September 2017

Community Pharmacy Scotland and the government's Mental Health Strategy 

Health and social care providers across the country have been reflecting upon how their services meet the needs of those with mental health conditions. Read the Scotsman article

Mental health problems common cause of teacher absences

TES Scotland has revealed that mental health problems are causing teacher absences to rise across Scotland - read the TES article here .

Mental Health Foundation Scotland launch campaign this month

A 12-point action plan on fostering good mental health with a view to tackling Scotland's rising suicide rate was launched earlier this month - read more.

New Young Carers grant announced 

The Scottish Government announce a new package of support for young carers, worth £300 per year. Read more here.

Schizophrenia is still misunderstood

Rethink's new campaign states that it is important that we all understand what schizophrenia is and isn’t, and start to change attitudes.  Read about the campaign here and learn more.
 

A new UK report highlights rise in student mental health issues

A BBC report summarises data and statistics showing marked increase in student mental health issues - further links to the IPPR study and new framework can be found here.

August 2017

More counselling services for young people needed in Scotland

More than 250,000 children in Scotland have no access to school-based counselling services, a BBC investigation has discovered.

Latest Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland report

The MWCS publishes its first report on medium and low security forensic wards with concerns over human rights. Read more detail here.

New reports comments on change needed to improve Self Directed Support

The Audit Scotland review found "no evidence" of the radical change needed to fully implement a 10-year strategy for self-directed support (SDS) - read report here.

NHS research into new mobile app to combat paranoia

People with paranoia will be asked to try a new NHS mobile app to try and slow down their negative thoughts as part of a research trial set to begin in Berkshire and Oxfordshire. More detail here

Signficant increase in use of anti-depressants in young people

BBC Scotland reports on prescribed anti-depressants to under 18s - read more here

Latest visit reports from Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland 

The MWCS has visited a further six hospitals - read more here

NHS Highland mental health care hospital restricts admissions

A mental health care hospital in Inverness has temporarily restricted admissions because of staff shortages - read the BBC Scotland article 

Guidance on recent changes to Mental Health Act

The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland has produced a list highlighting the changes made in June 2017 to the Mental Health Act and links to guidance can be found here

Mental health patients in Scotland await overdue discharge from wards

A UK report includes news of patients in Scottish Mental Hospitals experiencing long delays in being discharged. Read the BBC report and links to relevant sites here

Suicide statistics show narrowing of inequality gap

The difference in the rates of suicides in the most and least deprived areas has decreased. The report by the Scottish Public Health Observatory indicates other figures over recent years and details can be read here

July 2017

Pupils with mental health problems face 'postcode lottery' in accessing support

14 of Scotland's 32 councils said they did not employ the key workers supposed to link children to mental health services. Read the Herald article here.

Scottish Prisons to be smoke-free by November 2018

The Scottish Prison Service has announced it plans to make Scottish prisons smoke-free by November 2018 - read the NHS article here

New visit reports from Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland

The MWCS reports further on hospital standards - read the details here

New report on homelessness and mental health from Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland

A report from MWCS on homelessness and mental health indicates needs are only partly being met - read the article and report here.

Mental health patients face treatment 200 miles away

The Herald reports on the top psychiatrist calling for better information for mental health patients - read more details here

June 2017

Calls to the Samaritans calls increase significantly

A record number of people contacted the Samaritans seeking help last year, the charity has revealed. Read more here

News of Mental Health Rural Forum

The Scotsman reports further on the special forum, supported by 30 major organisations and the Scottish Government, which looks at mental health issues in isolated areas in Scotland and aims to increase awareness at this month's Royal Highland Show at Ingliston.

The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland visits a further 14 hospitals

A report from the MWCS published today,  lists details of local hospital visits including the State Hospital.

Concern expressed by mental health charity over mental health services for young people

Rejections for specialist treatment by mental health services for young people is highlighted in this article.

May 2017

The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland recommends changes to mental health law

A new report published today by the MWCS and Edinburgh's Napier University calls for long term reform programme to Scotland's mental health and incapacity legislation.

How the right food can improve your mental health

Various studies have indicated that eating the right food can help mental health - read this article which links to a recent relevant Australian study and Lancet journal report from 2015.

The Mental Welfare Commission Scotland launches 'Rights in Mind'

The MWCS has just launched a guide for ensuring mental health patients have their human rights respected at key points in their treatment.

April 2017

Argyll & Bute report on innovative partnership

A new project involving carer involvement in mental health services, along with practitioners, is reported in an article which you can read here

The Mental Welfare Commission Scotland visits 6 more hospitals

Read the latest reports from the MWCS using this map and other recent information regarding hospital visits here 

Online psychiatric assessments trial by Scottish University

The University of Aberdeen trial indicates high success rate in diagnostic psychiatric assessment - read more here

Government Mental Health Strategy announced

Please see our article on Support in Mind Scotland's homepage for more details.

March 2017

Scottish Government to review Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services referrals

An audit is to be held on the number of rejected referrals to CAMHS in order to look at young people affected and other implications - read more in The Scotsman article

Mental Welfare Commission Scotland Report on further hospital visits

The MWCS have visited eight further hospitals throughout Scotland and links to individual reports on these can be found via this link

Leading Scottish Children's Charity highlight mental health crisis amongst children

Barnardo's charity warns Scottish Government of its concerns over mental health issues in young people - read more

Scottish Charity creates programme to stop bullying

Inverness-based Mikey's Mates Training Programme is to be rolled out in the Scottish Highlands - read more, and for further links, look here and here

A Dumfriesshire school introduces pupil led classes on mental health

Senior pupils at Castle Douglas High school are encouraging mental health awareness amongst all students. Read more

Concern expressed over mental health waiting time in Lothian

The Scottish Children's Services Coalition calls for improvement to young persons' mental health services - read more here

 

February 2017

Pilot study looks at young people's stress levels

An NHS study in a Glasgow school looks at stress and ways of coping - read more here

Mental Health of young carers highlighted in study

Research carried out on behalf of the Carers' Trust, Children's Commissioner for Scotland and Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance indicates mental health problems in young carers including stress and sleep disorders -  read more and access further links.

Scottish Schools lacking mental health provision

The Scottish Children's Services Coalition express concern over support for children's mental health - read more and other links here.

Putting up with hearing loss can lead to anxiety and depression

Evidence shows that untreated hearing loss is linked to mental health problems including dementia, depression and anxiety - read the article

A Glasgow scheme aims to help people in crisis avoid homelessness

A scheme which helps people before they reach a crisis has helped cut homeless applications in Glasgow, according to a report - read more here.

Figures showing marked increase in young people's calls to Childline cause concern

The need for improved mental health provision in schools is being highlighted to help deal with increase in mental health support calls to the national charity - read the article

January 2017

Network of mental health specialists to help new mothers

The Managed Clinical Network is to be launched this month with its focus on ensuring consistent care for expectant and new mothers in regard to their mental health. Read more

Expert warns of mental health problems experienced by off-shore workers

A senior lecturer at Robert Gordon University has backed a new campaign to encourage the oil and gas industry to focus on the mental health and well-being of its employees - read the Herald article here

Age Scotland research reveals sad reality

A recent research report has shown that older people are so lonely in Scotland they are going to the supermarket just for company. Read the Third Force News article.

Third Force News report on serious mental health issues in the elderly

Mental health issues significant part of Police Scotland call-outs

The Assistant Chief Constable of Police Scotland said many of the non-criminal call-outs involved missing people, mental health incidents or sudden deaths.  Read more here.

Mental Welfare Commission Scotland issues new reports

The MWCS has issued eleven new visit reports on hospitals in Scotland - read the latest report on their website.

New research indicates how many Scots are affected by Mental Health issues

Almost 30% of Scots say they have had mental health problems - read more here and news of See Me's campaign.

University of Edinburgh reveals new research

A study by the University of Edinburgh looks into the link between a certain type of depression and schizophrenia.  Read the article here whilst more detailed results are published in the Translational Psychiatry publication .

December 2016

Local Glasgow support group tackle loneliness

The Scottish government is to commit to developing a National Strategy on Social Isolation which prompts a local Glasgow group to initiate a regular support meeting.  Read more

Extra money to be invested in new mental health work settings

The Scottish Government will spend £10M over the next 2 years to improve mental health support via early intervention - read more.

A new 8 week scheme in Aberdeen

Mental Health Aberdeen has just started a pilot scheme in Aberdeen which offers mental health support - read more.

Study of link between the immune system and psychosis

A study funded by the Medical Research Council and reported in The Lancet looks into the link between antibodies and psychosis - read more here.

The effect of social isolation impacts on health

Loneliness has major implications for mental health - read the article here

November 2016

Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland 2015/2106 Report

The latest annual report from MWCS has been launched today - 17th November - highlighting the work done over the past year to protect and promote the human rights of people with mental illness, learning disabilities, dementia and related conditions. Read more here

Mental health assessment 'needed for children in care'

Children and young people who go into care should have their mental health assessed so they can be helped to recover from childhood trauma and abuse, ministers are being urged - read more here.

 

A new app helps young people deal with mental health issues

A new smartphone app - Mikey'sline - designed to help young people who are dealing with depression and suicidal thoughts has been launched in Inverness.  Read more.

Canadian charity provides business funding opportunities for people with mental health issues

Backed by a mixture of private and public money, Rise offers loans to people with mental health or addiction problems, to help them set up their own businesses - read more about the benefits of this Canadian project here

A Scottish Universities study states the mental health benefits of joining the Scouts and Girlguides

People who were in the scouts or guides in childhood have better mental health in later life, a study suggests. Read the article and further references here.

Mental health training of GPs highlighted in Wales

Welsh mental health organisation highlights mental health training needs by GPs and health professionals - read more here.

The Mental Welfare Commision for Scotland publishes new guide

The MWCS has published a new guide on Supported Decision Making.  Read the full guide here.

October 2016

Dance company explores how dance can affect mental health

A Manchester based company has looked into the benefits of dance in exploring mental health problems - read more about the work too with youth groups and schools here .

Shortage of psychiatrists hits Tayside

One in five vacancies for psychiatrists are located in Tayside.   Read more about this and how other parts of Scotland are affected here.

Concern expressed over elderly people with mental health issues

Police in England threaten legal action over lack of mental health beds

A Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police force has vowed to stop "unlawfully" holding people with a mental illness in police cells because the NHS has no beds for them.  Read more here.

Report indicates that suicide risk is 'higher in the community'

A University of Manchester report has indicated that suicides of people being cared for in the community are higher than among hospital inpatients.

New study report examines genetic links to schizophrenia

Scientists at Aberdeen University have discovered new evidence strengthening the link between a previously misunderstood gene and major mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression and autism. The university article can be read here .

Mental Health prescriptions peak in Scotland

Prescriptions for mental health drugs such as antidepressants and antipsychotics have hit a ten-year high amid concerns over soaring demand for services.  Read more here.

X-Factor winner speaks about his mental health issues

James Arthur explains how anxiety affects his daily life, in a BBC article.

Actor/musician seeks medical help for his depression

Kid Cudi shares his mental health issues on his Facebook page - read more here.

Police Scotland release mental-health absence figures

Police Scotland officers and staff suffering psychological problems took nearly 200,000 sick days over the last three years, new figures show. Read the article here.

Charities speak about the Scottish Government's Mental Health Strategy

September 2016

Petition for change in NHS services

A recent petition submitted to the Scottish Parliament outlines the need for changes in the NHS regarding the accountability of the processes for those under Suspension of Detention.  This link will take you to the petition with an opportunity to give support.

Compulsory treatment linked to human rights issues

The Mental Welfare Commision for Scotland has reported on the increase in compulsory treatment orders for people with mental ill-health, in relation to human rights issues.  Read the report here in conjunction with Scottish Government Guide here.

English Health Watchdog develops app for teenagers

Healthwatch Wokingham has developed 'Appyness' for teenagers wishing to monitor their mental health.  Read more about it here, with due consideration to its relevance in Scotland.

Mental health support needed for students

A recent UK report has identified the need for a growth in support services for students to enable them cope with mental health issues.  Read the BBC article here.

Young women and mental health

A Scottish Health Survey reveals that young women aged 16-24 years have poorer mental health than other age groups in Scotland. Read more about these and other results here.

Missed targets in Children's and Young People's mental health indicate crisis

A Scottish charity coalition states that the mental health of children and young people is being seriously affected by the inaction of the  Scottish Government and the NHS. The Third Force News article containing more details can be read here.

How Social Media can reveal mental health issues

More studies have now shown the link between the use of social media and depression.  Read the latest on the recent Harvard study here, whilst the See Me Campaign #myunfilteredlife campaign looks into this issue.

Dealing with homelessness and mental illness

A BBC report on how an East London ground-breaking project is looking into helping homeless people affected by mental illness can be read here, with due consideration to its relevance to Scotland.

August 2016

Mental Health at University

See Me and the University of Strathclyde look into mental health support for students via a survey.  Read more here

The Scottish Government's vision for Mental Health services

The 'Easy Read' version of the Mental Health Strategy paper can be read here

The Mental Welfare Commission Scotland

Six new reports by the MWCS on NHS hospital wards can be accessed via this link.

July 2016

Scottish University conducts summer study on mental health and citizenship

The University of Strathclyde is holding a pilot research study between July and September to find out how mental health issues affect people's feelings of citizenship.  Please contact Eilidh Moir on 0772 895366 or [email protected] if you wish to take part or just find out more.

The Mental Welfare Commission Scotland produces visit report on perinatal mental health care

'Keeping mothers and babies in mind' is the new visiting and monitoring report by the MWCS on the specialist area of perinatal mental health care in Scotland.

You can access the report here

University identifies areas of the brain that affect mental health

The University of Cambridge's department of psychiatry has discovered the link between teenage brain development and mental illness. Read more here

Further report by the Mental Welfare Commission Scotland on NHS hospital wards

Newly released report on six more NHS hospital wards and units for those with mental ill health or dementia can be read here

Adolescent mental health issues reach crisis point reports Scottish Youth Parliament

The Scottish Youth Parliament's report, based on a survey conducted by researchers who spoke to over 1000 people aged 12 - 25, provides information and recommendations on what should be done to meet young people's needs -  read the Third Force News article covering main points in the report here. 

The full report, Our Generations's Epidemic, can be read here.

Redesign of mental health services in Aberdeen

CEO of Mental Health Aberdeen says exisiting services would need to increase, with less funding - read more here

Concern over number of suicides in hospital

The number of suicides within a new Glasgow hospital raises concern over health and safety measures - see article here

A new report on vulnerable children and mental health

A children's mental health charity releases report on services' handling of traumatised children and the effect into adulthood. Read more about Beyond Adversity here

Concern is expressed over the drop in number of educational psychologists in Scotland

The Scottish Government has revealed that the number of education psychologists in Scotland has fallen by 10% in the last 3 years. Read more here

The British Journal of Family medicine provides latest figure

The latest figure for 2015 for anti-depressant prescriptions are provided by the BJFM here

Schizophrenia is topic of award-winning story

The recent Caine award goes to a South African writer whose story centres on a family's experience of schizophrenia in rural location. Read more

June 2016

The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland publishes reports on NHS wards

The MWCS has published reports on mental health, learning disablity and dementia in 10 NHS wards - the reports on the hospitals affected can be read here

Scotland's Minister for Mental Health voices concern over waiting times for children

Maureen Watt, Minister for Mental health, has spoken out about mental health service waiting times for children.  Read more about her concerns here

UK Scientists' new findings on prescriptions for depression

UK researchers have developed a blood test to help doctors select the best drug for patients with depression.  Read more about it here

News from the British Journal of Family Medicine

The EC gives approval for schizophrenic drug treatment – read the BJFM article here

May 2016

NUS produces report on mental health

The National Union of Students produce a publication concerned with support for students around mental health issues - read it here

The Mental Welfare Commission Scotland -  new consultation

The MWCS reviews learning disability and autism in a scoping consultation - more detail here

The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland launches report

The MWCS has published a report on NHS wards across  Scotland - read more detail here

The Scottish Government appoints Minister of Mental Health

A dedicated Minister for Mental Health has been appointed - more details here.

Carers' Trust Scotland supports specific Carer groups

As Carers Week approaches news of the Carers' Trust Scotland's support of Student carers is focused on here, with research into LGBT carers recently launched - read more here .

Why Mental Health Matters to Scotland's Future

The Scottish Mental Health Partnership, which includes Support in Mind Scotland, believes it is time for a significant shift in Scotland's approach to mental health.  Read about the report here.

Advance Statements

The Mental Welfare Commission Scotland now provides information, films and material on Advance Statements – you can access these here.

Training opportunities

News of an upcoming conference in May along with other training opportunities for professionals working with children and young people can be found HERE.

More news concerning young people's mental health

News of an upcoming conference in May along with other training opportunities for professionals working with children and young people can be found HERE

April 2016

The mental health of Scotland’s young people is on the agenda  -

The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition (SCSC) stresses the need to make taking control of children’s mental health problems a key priority. Click HERE

And concerns grows over mental health of pupils in Scotland HERE

Some interesting studies and opportunity for research -

The Royal Edinburgh Hospital is seeking participants in the Lothians for a small pilot study looking at increasing physical activity of people with schizophrenia.   For more information contact Lily McNamee or call 0131 537 6522 and read more about it HERE

A funding opportunity for PhD Students  - The University of Strathclyde are funding PHD students to work on health policy on mental health, poverty-impacted families in collaboration with Yale and New York University. Please visit Strathclyde’s website for more details by clicking HERE

And upcoming events in Glasgow in April include the Mental Health Film Festival - Dust of Every Day Life event - Glasgow, Wednesday 20 April 2016 - https://www.mhfestival.com/about/conference

National Conference 'Caring for all our Carers', 28 April, Glasgow. Details HERE

Mental health and human rights are addressed in a landmark document on the rights of  people affected by mental health issues in Scotland. Click HERE for more details.

March/April 2016

• Advanced statement: The Mental Welfare Commission is encouraging all people in Scotland who have received hospital treatment for mental health problems, to have their say on their future treatment, should they become mentally unwell in the future. Read about it and watch some of their videos HERE
  
  
• The Mental Welfare Commission has published the six priorities it is asking the government to include in Scotland's next mental health strategy. Read more HERE
  
  
• Shona Robison MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Sport launched the findings and report from the Healthier Scotland national conversation.  Over 9,000 people took part in the process. Read more HERE

• Early deaths and Mental Ill Health - Scotland must overcome culture of fatalism. Read more HERE

• Creating a Healthier Scotland full report. Read more HERE

• ‘My Views, My Treatment’ - New mental health campaign to promote patient power across Scotland. Read more HERE

 

• Students call for mental health issues to be a key election policy. Read more HERE and HERE 

• Mental Health Commission visits over 100 wards and units a year for people with mental ill health, learning disability and dementia. A quarter of those visits are unannounced. Read more HERE