World Mental Health Day: Resources to support mental wellbeing, trauma-informed practice and compassionate care
World Mental Health Day on 10 October provides an opportunity to reflect on how we support mental wellbeing across health and social care, and how knowledge, skills and compassionate practice can help improve people's experience of care.
A range of resources are available through Turas Learn to support staff in responding to mental health needs, understanding the impact of trauma and delivering psychologically informed care.
Understanding the link between trauma and mental health
Experiencing trauma can increase the likelihood of mental health difficulties and can also make it harder for people to access the support they need. Trauma-informed practice aims to recognise these challenges and reduce barriers to care by creating services that are more responsive to people's experiences.
To mark World Mental Health Day, all those in the workforce who might come into contact with people who experience mental health difficulties are encouraged to explore the Mental Health and Trauma-Informed Practice Companion Document and consider how trauma-informed approaches can be applied in their own role.
An openly available e-learning module is also available for anyone wishing to learn more about the relationship between trauma and mental health, including evidence-based approaches that can support recovery.
Understanding the link between trauma and mental health
Explore practical guidance, learning resources and evidence-based approaches to understanding the relationship between trauma, mental health and recovery.
Supporting psychologically informed physical examinations and procedures
The Psychologically Informed Physical Examination Resources (PIPER) support health and social care staff to consider the psychological factors that can influence a person's experience of physical examinations and procedures.
Developed by the Physical Health Workstream within the Psychology Directorate, PSD Scotland, in collaboration with the Social Care Directorate and the Trauma Workstream, the resources help practitioners consider how people can be supported to feel safer and more comfortable before, during and after procedures.
The modules are particularly relevant for those involved in carrying out physical examinations and procedures, including intimate examinations, and promote person-centred and compassionate approaches to care.
Supporting psychologically informed physical examinations and procedures
Learn how psychologically informed approaches can support safer, more person-centred physical examinations and procedures.
Building skills in mental health improvement and suicide prevention
Ahead of World Mental Health Day, PSD Scotland and Public Health Scotland have also launched refreshed Skilled-Level Facilitator Resources to support education in mental health improvement and the prevention of self-harm and suicide.
Designed for local facilitators and educators, the resources help build knowledge and skills among non-specialist frontline staff working across health, social care and the wider public sector.
Four learning packages are available:
1. Supporting a person at risk of distress and crisis
2. Supporting an adult at risk of suicide
3. Supporting a child or young person at risk of suicide
4. Supporting a person at risk of self-harm
The resources have been updated following an independent evaluation and review and include an enhanced Facilitator Guide, improved accessibility and alignment with current evidence, policy and practice.
Building skills in mental health improvement and suicide prevention
Develop your knowledge and confidence in mental health improvement, suicide prevention and self-harm support through these learning resources.
Together, these resources support health and social care staff to better understand mental health, trauma and psychological wellbeing, helping to create more positive experiences for the people and communities they serve.
