A new referral pathway will open in Fife to provide early intervention and self-management support to people who have recently received a diagnosis of mental illness.

Following successful funding from ALLIANCE’s Self Management Fund, the Hearing Voices service in Fife will build on Early Intervention in Psychosis work to collaborate with referral agencies and partners. This will ensure support reaches people in the first 12 months of their diagnosis, including those who experience voices, intrusive thoughts and sensory disturbances.

The three-year funding will develop and embed these pathways across Fife, as well as providing one-to-one and group support. These will be delivered in community venues across the region – including local recovery hubs, libraries and community centres – ensuring people can get help close to home. Specific support will include weekly peer-led group activities, comprising of creative sessions, and stress management and coping strategy workshops.

Regular drop-in sessions will also be piloted at Stratheden Recovery Cafe to provide a safe and informal environment for people preparing to discharge from inpatient care.

Accessibility plays a pivotal role in service delivery, with outreach support also available for those facing mobility or transport barriers. Digital sessions will also be offered to people who prefer or require remote engagement.

People accessing support will ultimately increase their capacity to self-manage their mental health following early diagnosis, leading to improved stability, confidence and reduced reliance on crisis services.

Susan Grant, Head of Central Services at Change Mental Health, said:

“We know that many who are newly diagnosed with a mental illness will feel that it is an exceptionally uncertain period in their life and may not know where to go next.

“With thanks to the ALLIANCE’s Self Management Fund, we are able to support people who will face some of the most stigmatised conditions and ensure that they get the support they need in their community and when they need it.

“Change Mental Health is uniquely placed to deliver this support, with over 30 years of the Hearing Voices service in Fife and over 50 years of experience in helping those experiencing severe and enduring mental illness. Giving structure to provide early support and enabling people to self-manage their condition will go a long way in helping people meet outcomes.”

This funding from the Self Management Fund, administered by the ALLIANCE, is made possible by continued support and investment from the Scottish Government, enabling people to live well and take control of their health and wellbeing.

Self-management is a way of living and working that means people living with long-term conditions feel more in control of their own health and wellbeing. It supports people to live their lives better, on their terms.

Sara Redmond, Chief Officer at the ALLIANCE, said:

“Self-management plays a vital role in person centred care, an approach that treats people as partners in their own care. And we’re proud to continue supporting third sector projects that make a difference. By backing work that focuses on early support, tackles health inequalities, and helps people waiting for care, we can strengthen learning about how these prevention methods are built into Scotland’s health and social care services.”