The Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland will bring its updated MSP guide to mental health and mental illness to the Scottish Parliament tonight at a special event at Holyrood.
Originally published last year, the guide has been refreshed following the election of 64 new MSPs to the Scottish Parliament in May 2026. The updated guide aims to ensure policymakers have access to practical, up-to-date information on mental health and mental illness.
RCPsychiS developed the guide to improve understanding of mental health and mental illness among MSPs and their staff, in response to rising levels of mental health conditions and increased need for support.
The resource explains the difference between mental health, mental wellbeing and mental illness and provides an overview of some common mental health conditions. It highlights the prevalence of mental ill health, offers practical advice on supporting constituents experiencing distress and includes guidance on reducing stigma. It also contains a glossary of key terms and a directory of organisations and services that provide support across Scotland.
The guide also includes advice for policymakers on how to champion mental health and influence change within the Scottish Parliament and their constituencies.
Tonight’s event will bring together politicians, clinicians, College members and representatives from the third sector.
Dr Jane Morris, Chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrics in Scotland, said:
"Concerns about mental health and mental illness affect every community in Scotland, and MSPs regularly encounter the challenges faced by people experiencing mental illness and those who care for them.
"In response to feedback, we have updated and improved this well-received guide to provide the most relevant practical information, helpful resources and insight into some of the key issues facing people and mental health services today.
"This edition comes at a particularly important time. Scotland is entering a significant period of health and social care reform, creating opportunities to improve services and outcomes for patients. As discussions progress, it is vital that mental health is given the same priority as physical health, and that the voices of people with lived experience, mental health professionals and carers are heard.
"We hope this guide will be a useful resource in supporting MSPs' work and helping them champion better mental health care for their constituents.”
For further information, please contact:
- Email: press@rcpsych.ac.uk
- X: @rcpsych
- Out-of-hours contact number: 07860 755896