2. Richard Leckerman Mental Health & Well-being Co-ordinator Communities Scotland SURF Open Forum SURF Open Forum Thursday, 25 th May, 2006

3. In Communities Scotland’s corporate plan, we state: “We will improve the understanding of the problems experienced by disadvantaged communities and the best way to tackle them.”

4. Communities Scotland objectives: ~improve opportunities for people living in disadvantaged communities ~improve the quality of services to tenants and homeless people

5. The Scottish Executive’s National Programme for Improving Mental Health and Well-being www.wellscotland.info A Positive Start to a Healthier Mind

6. To help improve the mental health and well- being of everyone living in Scotland, and to improve the quality of life and social inclusion of people who experience mental health problems. The Vision for Scotland

7. Launched in October 2001 to promote and support mental health improvement …with 4 key aims: 1.raise awareness and promote mental health and well-being 2.eliminate stigma and discrimination 3.prevent suicide 4.promote and support recovery

8. Some key messages ~Good mental health is a fundamental component of our overall health and well-being. ~Anyone can experience mental health problems, and one in four of us will experience a mental illness at some time in our lives. ~Suicide prevention is everybody’s business. ~More than 2 lives per day are lost to suicide in Scotland. ~People can and do recover from even the most severe mental health problems and mental illness.

9. National Programme Action Plan Scottish Policy Context health improvement social justice and social inclusion education and young people enterprise, lifelong learning and community regeneration equalities

10. 4 KEY AIMS Scottish Policy Context health improvement social justice and social inclusion education and young people enterprise, lifelong learning and community regeneration equalities

11. 4 KEY AIMS Improving infant mental health (early years) Improving mental health and well-being in employment and working life Improving mental health and well-being in later life Improving community mental health and well-being Improving mental health promotion and prevention in local services Improving the mental health of children and young people 6 PRIORITY AREAS Scottish Policy Context health improvement social justice and social inclusion education and young people enterprise, lifelong learning and community regeneration equalities

12. 4 KEY AIMS Improving infant mental health (early years) Improving mental health and well-being in employment and working life Improving mental health and well-being in later life Improving community mental health and well-being Improving mental health promotion and prevention in local services NATIONAL PROGRAMME SUPPORT Evidence into practice ResearchEvaluation Indicators for mental health and well-being Keeping people informed Sharing and learning Improving the mental health of children and young people Scottish Policy Context health improvement social justice and social inclusion education and young people enterprise, lifelong learning and community regeneration equalities 6 PRIORITY AREAS

13. Well? magazine www.wellscotland.info Media Volunteer Programme Scotland’s Mental Health First Aid Training Communications

14. Contacts Gregor Henderson Director National Programme for Improving Mental Health and Well-being 0131 244-2551 gregor.henderson@scotland.gsi.gov.uk Wendy Brock Communications Manager National Programme for Improving Mental Health and Well-being 0131 244-2017 wendy.brock@scotland.gsi.gov.uk www.wellscotland.info Well? Magazine Email us with your name and address to go onto our twice yearly mailing list: well@scotland.gsi.gov.uk Media Volunteer Programme Lindsey Gordon Development Officer 0131 624-8945 lindsey.gordon@seemescotland.org View existing case studies at: www.seemescotland.org

15. My role: A 4-stage approach will be taken… 1)raising general understanding and awareness 2)mapping key influences 3)designing and delivering customised input 4)review and evaluation

16. “Building community well-being is a challenge for us all. Taking a collective approach across government and across local agencies, with communities and with local people, is the way forward.” Malcolm Chisholm MSP