Improving Mental Health in the Scottish Borders

The Scottish Borders Joint Health Improvement Team (part of Public Health) is working with a multi-agency steering group of statutory and third sector partners to create a new three year action plan aiming to improve mental health and prevent suicide. This is not about our mental health services; it is about the things that help to prevent mental ill health and that promote good mental wellbeing.

Our current work covers communications and awareness campaigns, development of support resources, training around mental health and suicide prevention, research to develop our understanding of the wellbeing needs and challenges of people in the Scottish Borders and supporting communities in their approach to mental health.

The purpose of this consultation is to gather feedback from people in the Borders to help develop the Action Plan for Adult Mental Health Improvement and Suicide Prevention in the Scottish Borders. Four programme areas have been identified by partners in our Mental Health Improvement and Suicide Prevention Steering Group and we will be asking for your feedback about some of the ideas under these themes in the consultation:

1. Promoting mental health and wellbeing
2. Preventing suicide and self-harm
3. Reducing mental health inequalities
4. Improving the lives of people experiencing and recovering from mental ill health

Support

This consultation will ask you to share any ideas that you have about improving the mental health and wellbeing of the Borders’ population and preventing suicide. Some people may find this distressing to think about. Self-help resources are available on NHS Borders Wellbeing Point to improve your wellbeing: www.nhsborders.scot.nhs.uk/wellbeingpoint

If you would like to talk to someone about your mental health then a range of support is available to suit your needs:

• You can talk to your GP
• Arrange an appointment with NHS Borders Wellbeing Service Tel: 01896 824592 Email: wellbeing@borders.scot.nhs.uk Website: www.nhsborders.scot.nhs.uk/wellbeing
• Togetherall - A confidential, online mental health support community, available 24/7. Free to all 16+ Borders residents. www.togetherall.com
• Breathing Space 0800 83 85 87 [Weekdays: Monday-Thursday, 6pm-2am; Weekends: Friday 6pm-Monday 6am]; Webchat service (Mon-Fri 6pm-2am; Sat/Sun 4pm-12 midnight) www.breathingspace.scot
• Samaritans 116 123 Email jo@samaritans.org [24/7]
• SHOUT text service [24/7] Text SHOUT to 85258