More than 100,000 people referred to mental health initiative

A mental health initiative which provides immediate non-clinical support to those in distress has hit a new milestone.

More than 100,000 people have now been referred to the Scottish Government’s Distress Brief Intervention (DBI) programme, which offers personalised support to people who present to emergency or primary care services in distress.

The programme was launched in 2016 and offers trained frontline staff who can provide a compassionate response.

Where appropriate, the programme can offer a referral to third sector staff who contact the person within 24 hours and provide community-based support.

The programme is supported by funding through the Suicide Prevention Strategy.

Mental wellbeing minister Tom Arthur said: “Each and every one of the 100,000 referrals has provided quick and compassionate support to someone in distress.

“There are many who make DBI such a success and I want to thank all those involved across health, social care, emergency services, third sector and academia.

“DBI plays an important role in our work to prevent suicide, sitting within our national Suicide Prevention Strategy, with investment doubled in the current parliamentary term to £2.8 million.

“We continue to work with partners to ensure those experiencing distress get the support they need, when and where they need it, to improve people’s mental health and wellbeing.”

Kirstie McCulloch initially received support from DBI and now works for the programme.

She said she experienced poor mental health due to Covid lockdowns, including severe panic attacks, anxiety and depression.

She said: “NHS 24 helped me when I had a severe panic attack and referred me for further support to the DBI service, which in my local area is run by SAMH.

“The support I received was invaluable. My practitioner had been so helpful that I asked them how they came into the role, as I knew this was something I would like to do for others.

“DBI aligns with SAMH’s ambition that anyone in Scotland can ask once and get help fast. In the years I have worked here, I have delivered compassionate support to hundreds of people and helped them to get back on their feet. It is very rewarding knowing that I can give back in this way.”

Police Scotland has more than 2,300 DBI trained officers who aim to identify an individual in distress and offer them the right service to access support.

Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton said: “We will continue to work closely with key partners to develop and embed a whole-system, trauma-informed approach to mental health and this landmark 100,000th referral is testament to our collaborative commitment.”

The Scottish Government has a 10 year “vision” on its approach to mental health in the country.

The Mental Health Strategy 2017-2027 is working to improve prevention and early intervention and access to treatment, and joined up accessible services.

Patrick Rafferty, executive director of nursing and care at NHS 24, said: “The partnership between NHS 24 and the Distress Brief Intervention programme is valued by patients and our Mental Health Hub team. This national pathway ensures that person-centred and compassionate care is then delivered locally to the people of Scotland.

“The impact of this significant collaboration through early intervention reduces distress, empowers patients and supports the journey to recovery.  This is a truly commendable initiative that we are delighted to be a part of.”