A COALITION of 17 organisations have united around a manifesto to tackle Scotland’s “mental health emergency” ahead of next year’s Holyrood elections.

The “Scotland’s Mental Health: It’s Time for Action” paper was launched by Scotland’s Mental Health Partnership, which boasts membership across health and social care, including organisations such as the Royal College of GPs, the Samaritans and the Scottish Association for Mental Health.

Built around the organisation’s “three Ps” approach  — Promote, Prevent and Provide — the manifesto calls for politicians across the parties to back a public health programme to combat the stigma and discrimination that still lingers around mental health, as well as committing more cash for early intervention and prevention, and working to ensure a wider choice of support, care, and treatment in the right place and at the right time for all.

Calling for “immediate and decisive action from the next government,” the coalition’s policy lead, Gordon Johnson, warned: “The time for talking and planning has passed. 

“We are now in a mental health emergency, and we need bold and ambitious measures that will address this crisis.

“This manifesto of coherent and connected proposals will enable significant progress to be made.”

SNP mental well-being minister Tom Arthur responded: “Mental health is a priority for this government, that is why we’re investing a record £1.5 billion in 2025-26 and have record numbers of staff, delivering vital support to more people across Scotland.

“But we are not complacent and know there’s more to do. That’s why we’re working with partners to refresh our mental health and well-being delivery plan, ensuring everyone who needs mental health support can access it when they need it most.”