After nearly two years, and much consultation, the Scottish Government launched its document 'Towards A Mentally Flourishing Scotland' in Craigmillar yesterday (7th May 2009). The document outlines six main priorities for health improvement work:
- Mentally healthy children, infacnts and young people
- Mentally health later life
- Mentally healthy communities
- Mentally healthy employment and working life
- Reducing the prevalence of suicide, self-harm and common mental health problems
- Improving the quality of life of those experiencing mental health problems and mental illness
This last priority, in particular, outlines work needed by 'see me' and our partners over the next few years and sets out some key commitments.
The document was launched at the Thistle Foundation in Craigmillar where Shona Robison was able to see how local projects are providing facilities like gym access and anxiety management courses to help people protect their own wellbeing.
Ms Robison said: “We want to create a more successful Scotland with a thriving society that offers everyone the opportunity to reach their full potential.
“Promoting good mental wellbeing, reducing the occurrence of mental health problems and improving the quality of life of those experiencing mental health problems is vital to doing just that
“Our immediate aim is to help everyone to understand how their own and other’s mental health can be improved and create a step-change in how we, as a society, look after our mental health.”
Ends.