£1m boost for distress scheme

A mental health programme established by the Scottish Government to help people who find themselves in a state of distress has been boosted by an award of over £1 million to help combat the effects of the coronavirus lockdown.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced that the DBI (Distress Brief Intervention) programme, which was set up as a pilot programme in 2017 to support people with their mental health and wellbeing, was to receive the additional finance allowing it to be rolled-out across Scotland.

The DBI programme, which was already operating in four pilot areas, now gives people over the age of 16 who are in emotional distress due to COVID-19 the opportunity to speak to specially trained staff.

The first phase will provide people with practical advice on coping with the current restrictions. Signposting to existing advice will be included and those who need extra support will be directed to NHS Inform as a key information resource and helplines operated by

NHS 24, Breathing Space, SAMH and Samaritans.

Part of the award will go towards the launch of a marketing campaign across television, radio and newspapers.

People who are in distress but do not need clinical intervention will be referred to the DBI programme by frontline staff, including NHS 24.

Scotland’s First Minister said:“Covid-19 restrictions have affected all of our lives.

“People who may never have been affected by mental health issues in the past, are now facing emotional distress due to financial loss, bereavement and social distancing.

“NHS 24 has experienced an increase in calls, including to Breathing Space, in recent weeks and we anticipate this will continue to grow. It is vital that during this period of uncertainty anyone who requires support for their mental health can receive it.

“Since 2017 more than 6,600 people have accessed the DBI programme and I am pleased that people across the country will now be able to access this support.”