MONDAY, 2 NOVEMBER, 2020

Immediate release:

First draft Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy launched

The first draft of a new Tayside-wide strategy to improve mental health and learning disability services has been published today (Monday) following a programme of work involving local stakeholders.

The first draft Tayside Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy ‘Living Life Well – A Lifelong Approach to Mental Health in Tayside’ will be a live and developing document to continue to inform and influence the wider Mental Health and Wellbeing (MHW) Change Programme.

It is one of the key actions from the Listen Learn Change action plan which was developed in response to the Independent Inquiry into mental health services in Tayside and subsequent report ‘Trust and Respect’ which was published in February 2020.

People with lived experience have been fully involved in the co-creation of the strategy and change programme, alongside staff, third sector partners and representatives from mental health special interest groups. The name ‘Living Life Well’ has been chosen by stakeholders who are members of the MHW communications and engagement group.

The strategy is available to view on the new Mental Health and Wellbeing website at www.nhstayside.scot.nhs.uk. Members of the public are invited to give their feedback on the draft strategy by completing a short survey.

Interim Director of Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Kate Bell said, “We are fully committed to making this strategy reflect the needs of all and, in particular, reflect the voices of people living with mental health conditions, their carers and families. We will continue to work with all stakeholders, including all staff who provide support, care and treatment across our mental health services.

“Mental health affects us all and we want to make as many people as possible in Tayside aware of how we are changing how we care for those in need of our services and supports.

“We are seeking everyone’s views on this first draft of the strategy so please get involved, share the strategy and survey, and give us your feedback to help us connect with as many people as possible.

“Our commitment is clear: we will Listen, Learn and Change with service users, carers and staff and families in mind.”

The new MHW Strategy and Change Programme website has also been launched today and can be found on the Mental Health and Learning Disability Services pages at www.nhstayside.scot.nhs.uk

Developed with feedback from stakeholders, the website is a one-stop-shop for information and updates about the work going on to improve mental health and learning disabilities services across Tayside.

There will also be a monthly bulletin focusing on progress with the strategy and change programme to give a closer look at how services are changing as part of this process. The first edition is on the website now.

If you want to find out more please visit the website or email tay.mentalhealth@nhs.scot

Contact:

Louise Wilson

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 740718