On World Mental Health Day, we’re often encouraged to talk about mental health, but for many, it can be hard to know where to begin. For me, conversations start with challenging very simple myths about how difficult mental illness can be to live with, being clear that something “all in your head” can be as [...]

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, and this year’s theme focusing on community feels incredibly relevant. It’s a chance to really think about the people around us – our friends, family, neighbours, colleagues – and how much those connections mean for our, and their, mental wellbeing. If you’ve faced mental health challenges, you are [...]

MSP for the Highlands and Islands Emma Roddick has highlighted the positive impact Brora Learning Zone has on the lives of adults who use the service this World Mental Health Day. The dedicated space provides adults with a space they can use to learn new skills and be creative. Some of the art made by attendees is also sold in the centre, with the money being reinvested into its programme. The SNP MSP [...]

I had a brilliant time at the beginning of this month at the Highland Parasport Festival in Grantown-On-Spey, organised by Scottish Disability Sport. It was wonderful to see all the kids getting involved and trying out some new sports. We know that sport is so important for physical and mental health, but also to address [...]

Highlands & Islands MSP Emma Roddick has applauded the work of a local charity which runs gardening sessions for various groups of adults in the community. Badenoch and Strathspey Therapy Gardens runs weekly sessions throughout the growing season (March to October) with groups across Kingussie and Aviemore in a bid to boost mental well-being and [...]

Highlands & Islands MSP Emma Roddick has praised the messaging at this year’s Royal Highland Show, saying it is heartening to hear agricultural organisations emphasise the importance of speaking out about mental health and wellbeing. The annual agricultural show, which celebrated its 200th anniversary last year, brings together the best of Scotland’s food, drink, farming [...]

Emergency/helplines Breathing space: www.breathingspace.scot / 0800 83 85 87 Samaritans: 116 123 NHS 24 Mental Health Hub: 111 SHOUT: Text 'SHOUT' to 85258 Anxiety UK: 03444 775 774 Advice & Support www.nhsinform.scot/mind-to-mind Changemh.org For young people The Mix: 0808 808 4994 Childline: 0800 1111 C.A.L.M: 0800 58 58 58 / online webchat: thecalmzone.net        LGBT Youth: [...]

Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick hosted an event on behalf of Change Mental Health in the Scottish Parliament this week. The Scottish charity, previously known as Support in Mind Scotland, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Ms Roddick opened the event with a speech exploring her own experience of mental illness and her [...]

Emma Roddick MSP has led a Members’ Business Debate in the Scottish Parliament on the stigma surrounding mental health in the workplace. The Highlands and Islands MSP highlighted that a report by Centred, a mental health organisation based in the Highlands, had drawn her attention to figures from See Me’s Scottish Mental Illness Stigma study, [...]

Selfie of Emma in Skye As part of her busy summer recess schedule, Emma Roddick MSP recently visited the Skye and Lochalsh Mental Health Association. Established in 1992, the charity supports members with their health, social, practical, and emotional needs. The charity offers drop-in sessions as well as outreach support and door-to-door visits, covering the [...]