Welcoming the New Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing
Scottish Recovery Network welcomes Tom Arthur MSP, the new Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing in Scotland.
This is a pivotal moment for mental health in Scotland, a time full of opportunity. We have a real chance to work together to reshape how mental health support is designed, delivered, and experienced by people across the country.
As committed partners in delivering Strategic Action 2.3 of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy we look forward to working alongside the Minister and colleagues across government, services, and communities.
We believe that people with lived experience are vital to a thriving mental health workforce. Their insight, compassion, and connection are key to transforming systems and improving outcomes. That’s why we will continue to champion peer support across a range of settings, bringing Strategic Action 2.3 to life.
We’re working closely with partners across sectors to shape the next Scottish Government Mental Health and Wellbeing Delivery Plan. Ensuring that lived experience leadership is front and centre. When people with lived experience lead, services become more human, more responsive, and more effective.
The Scottish Government and COSLA Suicide Prevention Strategy Creating Hope Together also recognises the power of peer support. Through our Creating Hope with Peer Support project, we’re building on three years of learning and collaboration. Together with local and national suicide prevention partners, we’re strengthening community-based peer support across Scotland.
Finally, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Maree Todd, former Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport. We’re grateful for her genuine interest in the work of the many groups, organisations and services on the ground. We want to thank her for championing lived experience and peer support and we wish her all the best in her new role as Minister for Drug and Alcohol Policy and Sport.
The future is peer.
Louise Christie
Director, Scottish Recovery Network
Image credit Scottish Government.
