How can mental health services be improved?

The Scottish Government wants to hear your views on how mental health services can be improved over the next ten years.

A new mental health strategy will be published later this year and a consultation on 'Mental Health in Scotland - a ten year vision' is currently being carried out.

Any organisation or individual with an interest in mental health, or with an experience of services, can take part and help ministers set their priorities as part of the strategy.

Maureen Watt, Minister for Mental Health, said:

“Our forthcoming Mental Health Strategy will set out our 10 year vision for transforming mental health in Scotland. As part of this, we want to gather a wide range of views to make sure the strategy is fit for purpose.

“Mental Health is an absolute priority for this government, demonstrated by the fact that we have committed an additional £150 million to improve mental health services over five years.

“A big feature of the strategy will be how we can improve prevention and early intervention to reduce the risk of people developing mental health problems in the first place. Other areas of focus will include improving responses in primary care and looking at how we can use physical activity to improve physical and mental health at the same time.”

You can find out more and respond online on the Scottish Government consultation website.

There will also be a series of events taking place later this summer where people will be able to give their views directly.

The consultation will close on 16 September 2016.