ADDITIONAL £3.8M TO EXPAND SUPPORT
27 March 2020
Extra funding has been confirmed by the Scottish Government to develop mental health services, in order to cope with further demand as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Minister for Mental Health, Clare Haughey, announced a further £3.8 million to begin to increase the capacity of NHS 24’s telephone and online services.
This includes £2.6 million to expand the NHS 24 Mental Health Hub and Breathing Space telephone helpline/web support service, and £1.2 million to provide extra capacity for Computerised Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CCBT). Information about these expanded services will come online as they become active.
Ms Haughey said:
“Dedicated mental health professionals provide high quality care across Scotland – but in these trying times they are needed more than ever.
“The current situation around COVID-19, including concerns around social distancing, is an understandable cause of anxiety for many people. NHS 24 has already begun to see an increase in calls in recent weeks, including to Breathing Space, and anticipate this will continue to grow.
“It is vital during this period of uncertainty that anyone who requires support for their mental health can receive it.”
