BPS welcomes publication of major mental health strategy in Scotland

The society is encouraged by many aspects of the strategy which focuses on promotion of positive mental health, early intervention and prevention, and provision of support, so that people can access the 'right care, in the right place, at the right time'.

The BPS is pleased that the strategy notes the critical role of the mental health and wellbeing workforce in delivering its vision of 'a Scotland, free from stigma and inequality, where everyone fulfils their right to achieve the best mental health and wellbeing possible'.

But the society believes that driving forward the improvements will require increased, targeted investment in the mental health workforce.

In March when Humza Yousaf took up his position as First Minister of Scotland the BPS, as part of Scotland's Mental Health Partnership, called for Mr Yousaf to meet the SNP's manifesto pledge to 'increase the direct investment into mental health services by at least 25 per cent and ensure that, by the end of the Parliament, 10 per cent of our frontline NHS budget will be invested in mental health'.

Fiona Mackay, Chair of the BPS Scottish Branch, said she was pleased to see the emphasis the strategy places on making mental health and wellbeing a cross-government priority, on tackling stigma and discrimination, and its focus on a whole-person, trauma-informed approach to care and support of patients.

 "The BPS welcomes a 'mental health in all policies' approach as mental health does not sit in isolation. Factors such as poverty, housing and employment can all have an impact on people's mental wellbeing.  

"Looking holistically at the whole person, considering not just psychological factors but also the social determinants of health, is something that psychologists already do and is the right approach.

"All public health services should be informed by a psychosocial approach to improving the population's mental health, such as when tackling stigma as part of prevention."

The emphasis on the wellbeing of the mental health workforce as a key strand of the Workforce Action Plan is also something the society welcomes as is the strategy's aim to achieve a workforce which is 'diverse, skilled, supported and sustainable'.

"It's really important that the workforce is representative of the population that we serve," Fiona Mackay said, adding:

"It's also good that the strategy acknowledges that mental health policies, support, care and treatment are better informed and shaped by staff practitioners with experience of developing and delivering services, as well as those with lived experience."

In addition, the BPS welcomes improved support for those in the forensic mental health system; CAMHS and psychological therapies being highlighted for early investment; an evidence-based approach, and the acknowledgement of current challenges to delivering support and services, including psychological therapies.  

The BPS has been engaging with the Scottish government as the strategy has developed, highlighting the importance of the crucial role of psychologists in the provision of mental health services support.

The society looks forward to continuing to inform the development of the Strategy's Delivery Plan and associated Workforce Action Plan, where the detailed work to deliver the aims of the strategy will be set out.  

A document on mental health law reform has also been published. The society will be reviewing this closely in the coming days and weeks and will respond in due course.