There is growing evidence that people affected by mental health issues in Scotland do not fully enjoy their right to access timely, good quality support. We also know that disabled people, people living with long term conditions and unpaid carers can experience poorer mental health and may have different requirements that affect how they access mental health support and services.

By mainstreaming equalities and human rights in our mental health law and policy we can ensure that people living with mental health issues have a strong voice and enjoy their right to live well, free from discrimination, and with support and services that put them at the centre.

The ALLIANCE has engaged extensively with recent developments in mental health law, policy and practice, through responding to the Scottish Mental Health Law Review, the Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, and the Suicide Prevention Strategy.

We are also an active member of the Scottish Government’s Mental Health Equality and Human Rights Stakeholder Forum.

For more information on our mental health policy work, please email Lucy Mulvagh, Director of Policy, Research and Impact at lucy.mulvagh@alliance-scotland.org.uk

The ALLIANCE has been contributing to progressing women’s access to health information and services throughout its history as a third sector champion of lived experience. The ALLIANCE is currently delivering a varied programme of work to involve lived experience with the implementation of the Scottish Government’s Women’s Health Plan. This follows previous ALLIANCE engagement work in 2020 and 2021 to hear from women about their experience of accessing services in Scotland.

The Women’s Health Plan was published by the Scottish Government last year and aims to reduce women’s health inequalities through 66 actions over several target priority areas, focusing on policy and service developments and access to services and information.

The ALLIANCE’s work aims to support women and people who access women’s health services across Scotland to share their experiences to influence change. The ALLIANCE hopes to provide opportunities for positive conversations about women’s health across communities, and support women to access comprehensive resources.

Get involved in our Women’s Health Plan Lived Experience Group, or join us at one of our information events. You can find links to useful resources, including videos, toolkits and information packs.

For more information on any of our work supporting the Women’s Health Plan and to sign up to our monthly newsletter email whp@alliance-scotland.org.uk

End of page.