'Too many promises and not enough action': SAMH launches mental health manifesto for Holyrood 2021

The Scottish Association of Mental Health (SAMH) has called for urgent new support for mental health services in Scotland to combat a “growing mental health crisis” in Scotland.

The charity has set out its Holyrood 2021 manifesto, Standing Up for Scotland’s Mental Health, informed by recommendations gathered from more than 2,500 Scots, many of whom have mental health problems.

The manifesto calls for redoubled efforts on suicide prevention, urgent action to support children and young people, and rapid access to psychological wellbeing support for adults.

Billy Watson, SAMH chief executive, said Scotland’s mental health “deserves better” following increased pressure caused by Covid-19 on already strained services.

"Bbeing around people who understand what you’re going through can really make a big difference," said Robert.

"A growing number of people across the country are facing mental health problems and are struggling to access help,” he said.

"There have been too many promises on mental health and not enough action. With the added pressure brought about by the pandemic, we need a radical new plan.

“We must now, more than ever, see political and government commitment to make mental health a priority. That’s why today SAMH is launching our manifesto, urging the next Scottish Government to put the mental health of the nation first.

Billy Watson, Chief Executive at SAMH

"It’s time to listen to the hopes, fears and needs of people with mental health problems.”

Robert, 39, reached out for support from SAMH after a suicide attempt.

He now uses the charity’s ‘Changing Room’ support group – a project that uses football to get middle aged men talking about mental health.

He said: “Early on I remember thinking ‘I’m worth my place in this group, not only is it helping me feel better, but I’m going to be part of making other people in this group feel better’. I felt worth a lot, and for a long time I didn’t feel like I was worth much.

“Local community support is so important because shared experiences help. Having someone you can relate to from a similar background makes it much more organic.

“Many people feel isolated when they are having suicidal thoughts. I had family all around me, but I still felt isolated, because no-one knew what was going on, so then being around people who understand what you’re going through can really make a big difference.”

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