Mental Health and Wellbeing

The increase in reported incidents of self-harm in recent decades and during the Covid-19 pandemic has raised significant concern about the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people. Promoting and supporting mental health is of paramount importance in East Renfrewshire and the council is committed to investing in evidence based and best practice approaches. This is reflected in the ERCPC commitment to Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) and the focus on building capacity across the workforce to identify and support the needs of children and young people to ensure they are Safe, Healthy, Active, Nurtured, Achieving, Respected, Responsible and Included. Research outcomes and the experience of professionals working with children and young people has highlighted the crucial role played by front line staff in directly supporting and promoting wellbeing, therefore we consider that building capacity, confidence and a promoting a shared understanding of mental health and self-harm is fundamental to making a positive difference to those we support.

In 2020, East Renfrewshire’s Healthier Minds Framework was developed to support and promote the mental health and wellbeing of all young people by providing information to develop children and young people’s talents and abilities in a way that will support them to meet life’s common challenges, develop their resilience, and have healthier minds as a result. You can access information and resources on a wide range of topics at the Healthier Minds website.

Covid-19

Emerging evidence suggests a deterioration in mental health and wellbeing prior to, and during the Covid-19 pandemic and restrictions. Social distancing, stay at home guidance and school closures, have had, and will continue to have, an adverse effect on the mental health and wellbeing of some children and young people even as restrictions ease (Mental Health – Scotland’s Transition and Recovery, Scottish Government, 2020).

“The Covid-19 crisis has had a profound impact on the mental health of many young people. This may be related to fears about the virus, social isolation, the loss of routine and structure, and in some cases bereavement or other traumatic experiences.”

 Emma Thomas, Chief Executive of Young Minds

A key priority in Scotland’s Transition and Recovery Plan is to improve understanding of self-harm and strengthen support for those affected. In 2023, the Scottish Government launched a self-harm strategy and action plan to improve support for people who self-harm. This makes Scotland the first country in the world to have a dedicated self-harm strategy. This document aims to reflect the principles and actions set out in the national strategy and action plan.

Next – Current National and Local Context