Leaders across health, care and charitable organisations are calling for ‘bold and decisive action' from Scotland’s next government to tackle what they say is a nationwide mental health crisis.

In a joint election manifesto ahead of the 2026 Scottish parliament elections, 17 organisations have demanded the next set of ministers improves mental health literacy, increases early intervention and prevention, and support patient care and treatment choice.  

They say funding for mental health services has not kept up with demand, leaving a burnt-out workforce, a spike in waiting lists, and low levels of mental health across the country.

Among the manifesto asks of the organistions, which together make up Scotland’s Mental Health Partnership, are the creation of a new £20m ‘improving mental health fund’ and for more care to be delivered in local communities.

These improvements should, according to the partnership, be driven by a dedicated Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, with a view to developing ‘mental health in all policies’ approach in Scotland. 

Currently wrapped into the portfolio of Tom Arthur MSP alongside social care, the partnership says a standalone role would provide focused leadership to deliver the changes needed.

Gordon Johnson, Policy Lead for Scotland’s Mental Health Partnership, said:

“There must be immediate and decisive action from the next government. The time for talking and planning has passed. 

“We are now in a mental health emergency, and we need bold and ambitious measures that will address this crisis. 

“We are far away from success. A great deal of work is required to tackle the mental health emergency in Scotland. This manifesto of coherent and connected proposals will enable significant progress to be made.” 

The government published its Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy in 2023, setting out its aims to promote mental health and wellbeing, preventing mental health issues, and providing treatment and support.

More needed for long-term wellbeing

However, the partnership says there has been little progress so far.

Better coordination at a national and local level, alongside a focus on ‘mental health in all policies’ approach, could make the difference, according to the manifesto.

The partnership says ‘an ambitious public health programme’ is needed to improve mental health awareness and understanding in a way that helps tackle stigma and discrimination. 
 
The manifesto highlights that while urgent action is needed to address the “mental health emergency” facing Scotland, long-term planning is also needed to deliver for both patients and the workforce. 

The partnership’s Policy Lead, Mr Johnson added: 

“The focus for the next government needs to be achieving radical change that will lead to sustainable support and services that can ultimately deliver better long-term mental health outcomes for Scotland’s people. 

“We look forward to working in partnership with that government to implement these proposals.” 

Member organisations are: 

Bipolar Scotland 

British Psychological Society 

Change Mental Health 

Mental Health Foundation 

Mental Health Nursing Forum (Scotland) 

Penumbra Mental Health 

Royal College of GPs Scotland 

Royal College of Occupational Therapists 

Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland 

Samaritans Scotland 

Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH) 

Scottish Association of Social Work 

Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance 

Scottish Recovery Network 

See Me

UK Council for Psychotherapy 

VOX Scotland 

Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland (observer) 

Read more: Call for ‘urgent' review of ADHD and autism services; Psychiatrists in ‘disbelief’ over cut funding; Urgent plea to safeguard mental health advocacy amid cuts; Ten-year low in Scots healthy life expectancy; Scotland’s ‘invisible’ patients and carers

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