Our 2023/24 Annual Report: Growth, innovation and dedication
A new report highlights a year of expanded services, new projects and advocacy efforts that reached more people across Scotland.
Change Mental Health has released its 2023/24 Annual Report, showcasing a year of remarkable growth, new initiatives and strengthened partnerships that have expanded support across Scotland.
In a year marked by economic challenges, the charity has successfully widened its reach, ensuring more people have access to the mental health support they need, when they need it in a way which works best for them.
Transformative reach across Scotland
Last year, Change Mental Health supported over 10,071 people, a 40% increase in reach. Through 58% face-to-face, 31% phone-based and 11% digital support, the charity provided accessible support across Scotland. The Thrive Edinburgh contract alone delivered 9,870 hours of support, showing the organisation’s commitment to community-based mental health services.
Our Young People’s Programmes reached over 3,000 young people, with 88% of Bloom participants reporting greater confidence in understanding mental health. In Edinburgh, Change Mental Health offered support to 640 people through Stafford Centre drop-in sessions, group work and specialised services, like the Signature Project and Veterans Community Cafe. Across Fife and Tayside, 457 individuals benefited from services such as Carer Support, Hearing Voices and Resilience, with many people finding renewed confidence to seek support for themselves and others.
“We have supported over 10,000 people across Scotland. We are reaching more people than ever before across Scotland and supporting them in ways we have never supported them before.
“Thousands and thousands of people have reached out to us in their time of need and the staff and volunteers of Change Mental Health were there to answer the call. To be able to do this in an incredibly tight financial climate when many others are understandably in retreat is a testament to the passion and dedication of our staff.”
Nick Ward, CEO at Change Mental Health
In Dumfries and Galloway, the charity supported 913 people through resource centres, outreach and Employability Support Service. Meanwhile 990 people in Highland accessed support from the Community Link Worker service, resource centres and outreach
The Distress Brief Intervention (DBI) programme reached 2,439 individuals across Highland, Dumfries & Galloway and Argyll & Bute, with 94% feeling they were listened to and understood, demonstrating Change Mental Health’s commitment to providing compassionate, connected support through this initiative. More people will be supported next year as the programme expands to the Western Isles to respond to people in distress.
Innovation and inclusion: New projects and initiatives at Change Mental Health
Change Mental Health introduced several new initiatives, including opening a not-for-profit café, Hopetown Coffee, on Edinburgh’s Broughton Street, where all profits fund mental health services and suicide prevention. Hopetown Coffee creates a welcoming space and includes a ‘one on us’ policy, where customers can pay forward a coffee for someone in need.
To improve services and accessibility, Change Mental Health relocated to more suitable locations in Invergordon and Perth, ensuring that staff and service users benefit from spaces that better meet their needs.
In addition, Change Mental Health welcomed Alison Watson to the Board, bringing her experience as a leader in the third sector to help guide the charity’s mission.
Alongside these developments, the organisation made strides in quality improvements, enhancing processes and tools used across services to ensure consistent, high quality support that meets the unique needs of Scotland’s communities.
The charity also created a broader training programme that includes courses on trauma care, substance use and other key areas, helping staff build essential skills in supporting people across communities.
Policy impact and national advocacy
In policy and advocacy, Change Mental Health continued shaping Scotland’s mental health landscape. The charity was actively involved in developing the Scottish Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, advocating for improved mental health resources, especially for underserved communities. Additionally, Change Mental Health provided crucial input to the Suicide Prevention Strategy and co-leads on Outcome 3 with Penumbra Mental Health, ensuring that everyone affected by suicide receives compassionate and timely support.
The organisation also contributed to the Mental Health Moratorium within the Bankruptcy and Diligence Bill, successfully lobbying for legislative changes to reduce stigma for those impacted by mental health and financial issues.
“In the coming year, there will no doubt be many more opportunities and indeed challenges but I think we have the right people, resources, and values to tackle those opportunities and challenges head on and ensure that no one needs to face mental illness alone.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported this work throughout the year – our volunteers, board members, staff, funders and campaigners – and, of course, thank you to the people we are here to support.”
Greg May, Chair of the Board at Change Mental Health
The 2023/24 Annual Report highlights the organisation’s commitment to providing accessible mental health support throughout Scotland. This report celebrates a year of progress but there is more to be done. Change Mental Health will continue to fight for a future where no one faces mental illness alone.
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