Staying mentally well

Mental wellbeing is important. It’s estimated that one in four people in Scotland will experience a mental health problem at some point in their lives. So, getting the right support to ensure that you take care of your mental health is important too.

Seeking support for yourself

The Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership can provide a range of support to help you stay mentally well. We will work with you to promote recovery and help to support you access services best suited to your needs.

If you need some advice on managing your mental health you can:

If you need some advice on managing your mental health you can

Independent advocacy

We know that sometimes, those struggling with mental wellbeing may be unable to speak for themselves. In instances like this, or where you feel that others aren’t listening to your views and opinions, an advocate can act on your behalf. This ensures that your voice is still heard, and your rights are protected.

If you require mental health support, have a learning or physical disability or are elderly, you can use advocacy. And a mental health officer can give you advice on your rights if you are receiving compulsory care and treatment.

Mental Health Officers

If you need to receive care and treatment on a compulsory basis, we will arrange for you to have a Mental Health Officer (MHO).

Mental Health Officers will tell you about your rights and ensure that you get the care you need. This includes helping you to find independent advocates to speak on your behalf.

All Mental Health Officers are qualified as social workers and can link you with other services. They can also provide some housing with support for adults living with mental health problems, through the Positive Steps service. There are a limited number of places in Positive Steps, to get referred for a place in Positive Steps, please contact Social Care Direct.

Contact Social Care Direct

Thrive Edinburgh

Thrive Edinburgh

Thrive Edinburgh is the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership’s strategy for improving mental health and wellbeing for all our citizens. Thrive Edinburgh is a city where every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to contribute to her or his community*. Our ability to thrive as human beings and as a city is closely tied to our mental health.

*Adapted from the World Health Organisation

Please do visit the Edinburgh Thrive website for more information or email us at thrive.edinburgh@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk to receive our regular newsletter.