New mental health award announced as nominations open for Scottish Social Services Awards

It features a new special policy focus award to recognise excellence in Mental Health services. The Scottish Government is committed to improving Mental Health and has introduced a ten year strategy to improve access to services, backed by an additional £150 million over five years.

The awards are designed to acknowledge innovation, joined up thinking and recognise people and organisations which help vulnerable people. They are distinguished by the unique categories which encourage nominations from the sector including those who strive to make change happen, those who demonstrate a different or an enlightened approach, and the bright sparks of the future.

Individuals, teams and organisations working across social services are now being invited to make their nominations before 15 February 2019.

Launching the opening of nominations, Minister for Childcare and Early Years, Ms Maree Todd MSP, said: “Mental health touches many lives in Scotland: from a young person struggling in school, or a colleague absent from work, to an elderly relative living with dementia. We have all seen, and often personally felt and experienced, the impact of mental health problems.

“Mental health is becoming increasingly important in our society and it’s great that this new special award will help recognise individuals contributions to such an important issue.”

Nominations can be made online at www.sssa.scot where there are also helpful hints and tips and films of previous winners to help people make their own submission. Anyone registered with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) or working for an organisation registered with the Care Inspectorate can enter.

Finalists will be announced in March 2019 and invited to a special afternoon ceremony taking place at Mansfield Traquair in Edinburgh on 5 June 2019.