More than 100,000 people have been referred to a mental health
initiative which provides immediate, non-clinical support to
those in need.
The Distress Brief Intervention (DBI) programme, launched in
2016, offers personalised support to people who present to
emergency or primary care services in distress.
Initially, trained front line staff provide a compassionate
response and then, where appropriate, offer a referral to third
sector staff who contact the person within 24-hours and provide
community-based support.
Mental Wellbeing Minister said:
"Each and every one of the 100,000 referrals has provided quick
and compassionate support to someone in distress.
"There are many who make DBI such a success and I want to thank
all those involved across health, social care, emergency
services, third sector and academia.
"DBI plays an important role in our work to prevent suicide,
sitting within our national Suicide Prevention Strategy, with
investment doubled in the current parliamentary term to £2.8
million.
"We continue to work with partners to ensure those experiencing
distress get the support they need, when and where they need it,
to improve people's mental health and wellbeing."
Kirstie McCulloch, who received support from and now works for
DBI, said:
“I was experiencing severe panic attacks, anxiety, and
depression, due to the Covid lockdowns. NHS 24 helped me when I
had a severe panic attack and referred me for further support to
the DBI service, which in my local area is run by SAMH.
“The support I received was invaluable. My practitioner had been
so helpful that I asked them how they came into the role, as I
knew this was something I would like to do for others.
“DBI aligns with SAMH's ambition that anyone in Scotland can ask
once and get help fast. In the years I have worked here, I have
delivered compassionate support to hundreds of people and helped
them to get back on their feet. It is very rewarding knowing that
I can give back in this way."
Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton said: “Police Scotland
has over 2,300 DBI trained officers who can identify when someone
is in distress and signpost them to the right service to provide
the compassionate support they need and deserve, before
redirecting to core policing duties.
“We will continue to work closely with key partners to develop
and embed a whole system, trauma-informed, approach to mental
health and this landmark 100,000threferral is
testament to our collaborative commitment.”
Head of Mental Health and Dementia at the Scottish Ambulance
Service Catherine Totten said:
“The Scottish Ambulance Service is committed to ensuring access
to services that offer care and support to patients experiencing
mental distress and the collaboration with DBI supports us to
provide the right care at the right time for our patients.
“We take pride in our contribution to enhancing access to the
emotional care and support that DBI offers to its service users
and are committed to continuing our support to keep widening the
reach of this valuable resource. We are proud to celebrate with
partners this momentous achievement of 100,000 referrals meaning
100,000 people are receiving this valuable service which was
previously unavailable "
Executive Director of Nursing and Care at NHS 24 Patrick Rafferty
said:
“The partnership between NHS 24 and the Distress Brief
Intervention Programme is valued by patients and our Mental
Health Hub team. This national pathway ensures that
person-centred and compassionate care is then delivered locally
to the people of Scotland.
“The impact of this significant collaboration through early
intervention reduces distress, empowers patients and supports the
journey to recovery. This is a truly commendable initiative
that we are delighted to be a part of.”
Background
Distress Brief Intervention -
Connected Compassionate Support | DBI.scot
