Mental health support for staff

Mental health support for staff

Health Boards will be able to immediately recruit psychologists and other staff dedicated to supporting the mental health of the health and social care workforce. This funding will be followed by a further £1 million in each of the next two financial years.

NES Director of Psychology Judy Thomson said:

"We are delighted to lead on this Scottish Government funded workforce development programme to support NHS Boards in delivering a range of excellent services to the health and social care workforce over this period of unprecedented challenge.

The Programme will help increase Boards’ capacity and capability to deliver effective evidence-based psychological interventions and therapies embedded within a compassionate approach for the Health and Social Care workforce."

Mental Health Minister Clare Haughey said:

“We have asked our NHS and social care staff to work through unprecedented times and often in unfamiliar settings. Many have been asked to learn new skills and work in new roles in unfamiliar teams.

“They all, too, have had to adjust to the impact the pandemic has had on our personal lives and communities, including having to care for their own families. This has been, and continues to be a huge ask and we are deeply grateful for the hard work, commitment and professionalism of those working in health and social care, at this time of unprecedented challenge.”

Up to 16 posts will be created to support the workforce over the next two financial years. This programme includes national and local delivery of training and supervision in psychological therapy and interventions. The posts include Clinical Psychologists, Counsellors, Project Coordinators, and Assistant Psychologists. 

This funding to Boards is one component of a wider programme of work through the Health and Social Care Mental Health Network to support the wellbeing and mental health of the workforce, in line with the commitments made through the Programme for Government.

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