This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Annual progress report on mental health
22/12/2004
The annual review of the National Programme for
Improving Mental Health and Well-Being, setting out
progress made over the past 12 months, was published
todday.
Deputy Health Minister Rhona Brankin said improving the
mental health of children and young people is the next key
area to be tackled.
Ms Brankin said:
"For too long mental health issues have been
misrepresented, misunderstood, ignored or delegated to
others to deal with. This is no longer acceptable in a
modern Scotland.
"To be the country we want to be, we need to focus more
on our emotional mental health and well-being, and on how
we feel and think as a country, as organisations, as
families and as individuals.
"There is no better place to start than with our
youngsters. In the next 12 months one of the key areas to
be tackled is the mental health issues affecting our
children and young people.
"Building self esteem and confidence provides a
foundation for people, especially children and young
people, with mental health problems to recover.
"For adults an important part of this process is to
demonstrate that they have a valuable role at work. This
year the anti-stigma "see-me…" Campaign focussed on
eliminating stigma and discrimination in the workplace.
"Another important event this year has been the launch
of the Scottish Recovery Network which captures and
promotes peoples stories of recovery.
"It is absolutely vital we get across the message that
people can and do recover from mental ill-health.
"In 2003 we saw a drop in suicide rates for the first
time since 1991 which is extremely encouraging however
there is still lots to do to reduce this number
further.
"We must continue to take action on improving the mental
health and well-being of everyone in Scotland and target
work at the people who need it most to ensure that we make
a difference to the mental health of as many Scots as
possible.
"I would also like to point out how valuable partnership
working is to the success of this programme.
"This year we have built successful partnerships with
the Health Promoting Schools Unit and also the Scottish
Arts Council - using arts and culture to raise awareness
about mental health. I hope the next 12 months will see
more successful partnerships forged."
National Programme Director Gregor Henderson said:
"The National Programme is a crucial part of the
Scottish Executive's work on improving Scotland's
health.
"With improvements in mental health, the Scottish people
can achieve much more, leading to an improved quality of
life, better opportunities, improved economic success and
more fulfilling community life.
"It is also vitally important to ensure that those who
experience mental health problems have the same rights and
opportunities as everyone else."
The National Programme is a three-year programme with
four key aims:
- Raising Awareness and Promoting mental Health and
Wellbeing
- Eliminating Stigma and Discrimination
- Preventing Suicide
- Promoting and Supporting Recovery
The Programme's three-Year Action Plan was launched in
September 2003 with £24 million of health improvement
funds.