National Rural Mental Health Forum Seminar Covid19 impact in Rural Scotland

Agenda

11am Welcome

11:05am Alison Forbes (Generation Scotland): RuralCovidLife Survey - understanding health and wellbeing of people living in rural Scotland

RuralCovidLife is a survey developed together with people living in rural communities across Scotland. We hope to understand how rural communities are being affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown measures. We want to know if it is affecting them differently, compared to other Scottish communities so we can learn how rural communities can be better supported. This project has been developed by Generation Scotland, based at the University of Edinburgh.

The survey will be launching online in early October. For more information please visit www.ed.ac.uk/generation-scotland/

11.50am Kevin Ferguson (Benefits & Mental Health Roving Adviser for the NRMHF): Scottish Government Devolved Benefits – how will they improve on the DWP experience?

The Scotland Act 2016 devolved a range of benefits to the Scottish Government, with reserved benefits continuing to be being delivered by the DWP. These devolved benefits have been introduced in stages and on 1st April 2020, the Scottish Government took full responsibility for all devolved benefits. Once fully operational, the Scottish Government will be responsible for delivering benefits for carers, people on low incomes and those with disabilities, whether mental or physical.

As you know, many Forum members work directly with people who are seldom-heard and face barriers in accessing benefits due to living in rural remoteness with mental health conditions and poor connections to services.

Please come and join Kevin as he outlines a new series of online workshops which will provide information and materials on the new benefit system and how to access support in claiming benefits. This will include a referral programme to guide service users, staff and others to SiMS’ Mental Health & Money Advice Service for specialist advice, guidance and support. We will cover the whole devolved benefit system with particular emphasis on Disability Assistance Payments for those with mental health issues.

Questions and Discussion

12:30pm AOCB

12:45pm Close