SNP MSP questions Scottish Government on mental health support services for rural and island communities

Emma Roddick has today raised the issue of mental health services in the Highlands and Islands by asking the Scottish Government to provide an update on the Distress Brief Intervention programme, highlighting the need for island and rural communities to have equal access to crisis services.

The pilot project, which was launched in the Highlands in 2017, aims to provide front-line services with the ability to respond to those in distress quickly and effectively.

Commenting on this issue Roddick said:

“The Distress Brief Intervention programme is a ground-breaking move in approaching mental health services for those in crisis and has the potential to transform the experience of those who most need help in their worst moments.

“I welcomed Inverness being used as one of the initial pilot areas, and I was glad to hear in response to my line of questioning that Argyll and Bute, Orkney Islands, and the Western Isles are shortly to follow suit.

“I strongly feel that those living in rural and island communities should have access to the same support as those in other parts of the country and I will work hard to ensure this aim remains on the government’s agenda, too.”