This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Newsletter for mental health officers
30/10/2002
A newsletter to help mental health officers share information on good practice was launched today.
It is intended to be a vehicle for pooling ideas on good practice which will flow from the new Mental Health legislation as well as the recently enacted Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000.
Speaking at the British Association of Social Work Conference in Perth, Deputy Health and Community Care Minister Mary Mulligan said:
"Mental health officers are pivotal to protecting people with mental health problems, and we recognise this, which is why we are proposing new statutory duties for MHOs in the Mental Health Bill.
"Mental health officers work in highly stressful situations, often alone. They are charged with making difficult judgements which may deprive an individual of their freedom and will play a key role in all decisions to apply for and renew compulsory orders.
"This new magazine will allow professionals to pool ideas and widen the debate as to how the legislation is used to safeguard the rights, health and welfare of adults vulnerable through poor mental health. We are also carrying out a number of initiatives to help make the service for those with mental health problems more responsive."
The initiatives include research currently being done into effective models of provision to provide services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and the drafting of National Standards for Mental Health Officer services.
The proposed legislation also presents challenges for local authorities. New services will need to be developed, which will promote the well-being of people with mental health problems.
These include:
- social, cultural and recreational activities
- training
- help with getting jobs
- assistance with travel to carry out these activities
The Minister said:
"The people of Scotland are entrusting mental health officers with greater and further responsibilities and they are depending on continued commitment.
"We in the Executive are also depending on MHOs to rise to these new challenges. In doing this they will be helping us create a more just and socially inclusive society for the people in Scotland affected by mental health problems. And given that almost three out of four Scots know someone lose to them who has been diagnosed with a mental health problem at some point, this means most of us."
The Executive has allocated extra funding to support the proposed new law, including:
£13 million year specifically for local authorities to cover the implementation of the Bill
£4 million for advocacy and community services
£4 million for capital investment
£1 million increase in Mental Illness Specific Grant to £20 million a year.