New mental health strategy

A new Tayside-wide strategy born off the back of a landmark mental health inquiry has been launched.

‘Living Life Well’, created to improve mental health and learning disability services across the area, went live last week.

The strategy, which has been welcomed by Scottish Government mental health minister Claire Haughey, is one of the key actions from Tayside’s Listen Learn Change action plan.

The plan was developed in response to Dr David Strang’s independent inquiry into mental health services in Tayside, published in February 2020, which called for major improvements as part of its damning assessment.

Following its release, public leaders in Tayside made a commitment to work together to improve mental health services for those who need them and those who deliver them.

The strategy’s title ‘Living Life Well – A Lifelong Approach to Mental Health in Tayside’was chosen by stakeholders who are members of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Communications and Engagement group.

‘Living Life Well’has been welcomed by the Tayside Executive Partners - who are the chief executives of NHS Tayside, Perth and Kinross, Angus and Dundee City councils, and the Tayside divisional commander of Police Scotland.

NHS Tayside chief executive Grant Archibald, who launched the strategy on behalf of the partnership, said: “Partnership working is the cornerstone of the new approach in Tayside and this has been key to the development of the strategy.

“It’s so important that, as we move forward and work together to actually make this document a reality, and with even more of a focus on mental health services due to the lasting impact of the pandemic on our communities, we continue to work alongside all stakeholders and ensure that the voices of people with lived and professional experience continue to feature strongly – and influence – our direction of travel.”

Perth and Kinross Council interim chief executive Barbara Renton said: “Approximately one in four people will suffer from a mental health problem at some point in their lives and we are committed to supporting the Living Life Well strategy in Perth and Kinross.

“Mental health and wellbeing services are a critical part of healthcare and will be more important than ever as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.”

To find out more about the work underway visit www. livinglifewelltayside. scot.nhs.uk or email tay. mhwteam@nhs.scot