NHS24 is to receive £500,000 of additional funding from the Scottish Government. The money will be used to  improve the services it offers to people experiencing low mood, depression and anxiety, supporting those who need unscheduled care but do not require to contact emergency services.

The numbers of people contacting NHS24’s dedicated mental health line, Breathing Space, has more than doubled over the last decade from 38,000 in 2006 to 87,000 in 2016.

Mental health funding to NHS24 has been a total of £1,125,000. The £500,000 development funding is new in 2017-18 on top of this.

Mental Health Minister in the Scottish Government Maureen Watt said:

“Building on the plans laid out in our Mental Health Strategy, this £500,000 funding package will help NHS24 to improve their mental health services, whether online or via telephone. This is a key part of our work to intervene early, which we know can help prevent problems from worsening.

“On World Mental Health Day, it has been good to meet some of the NHS24 staff who deliver this care on a daily basis – and learn, first-hand, how effective these early interventions can be in supporting people to deal with a wide range of mental health conditions.”

Support

Breathing Space  :

Call Free now 0800 83 85 87

Opening hours  Weekdays: Monday-Thursday 6pm to 2am

Weekend: Friday 6pm-Monday 6am

NHS Living Life 

NHS 24  Call 111

NHS Orkney

Samaritans Orkney 

01856 875 875 (local call charges apply)