We work to develop evidence-based mental health policies to help to create a society in which everyone can enjoy good mental health.
We advocate for a preventative approach to mental health problems, so our policy development takes a cross-government approach, targeting the root causes of mental ill-health. Our Policy and Public Affairs team works closely with our Research and Programmes teams, taking forward what we learn from these areas.
For more information, please contact [email protected] .
Featured reports
Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy for Scotland 2022
The Scottish Government is preparing to write a new Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy for Scotland. It has asked the public to share their ideas on what actions should be included in a new Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy for Scotland.
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Scottish Local Elections Manifesto 2022
Our mental health is determined by our environments and life experiences. Our local authorities make choices every day that affect the well-being of tens of thousands of people. Local councillors have the power to influence decisions that will create safe, healthy communities that enable people to thrive.
Read the manifesto
2021 Scottish Parliament election campaign report
Our recommendations for a wellbeing society: Scotland deserves good mental health for all.
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Uncertain times: Anxiety in the UK and how to tackle it
For Mental Health Awareness Week 2023, we published this report to look at the prevalence and rates of anxiety amongst different groups of people, consider the main ways of coping with anxiety and provide recommendations to governments across the UK for preventing anxiety.
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Mental health and the cost-of-living crisis report: another pandemic in the making?
Our report gives an overview of the current and likely effects the cost-of-living crisis has on people’s mental health. We cannot ignore the potentially devastating impact the cost-of-living crisis has on mental health.
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Zero-hours contracts and mental health
We know that poorly paid and insecure work is linked to poor mental well-being, but there is limited research on the specific mental health effects of a zero-hours contract. Learn more in our report and policy briefing on the impacts zero-hours contracts have on mental health.
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The economic case for investing in the prevention of mental health conditions in the UK
Our new report with the London School of Economics and Political Science provides evidence from the UK and around the world that proves prevention interventions work.
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Better mental health for all: A public health approach to mental health improvement
In this report, we examine what can be done individually and collectively to enhance the mental health of individuals, families and communities by using a public health approach and look to support the development of knowledge and skills in public mental health.
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Poverty and mental health
This paper presents a conceptual framework for understanding the relationship between poverty and mental health and offers recommendations to improve the situation across the life course.
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Surviving or Thriving? The state of the UK's mental health
This 2017 report aimed to understand the prevalence of self-reported mental health problems, levels of positive and negative mental health in the population, and the actions people take to deal with the stressors in their lives.
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Children and Young People Consultation
What are the key issues around health and wellbeing for children and young people in Scotland?
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Universal Basic Income
Close to a quarter of children and one fifth of working age adults live in poverty in Scotland. The impact of this contributes to Scotland having the highest suicide rate in the UK and the highest level of drug related deaths in western Europe.
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