A Message from the Editor,

Sonia Last 📝

It’s rewarding to see how many of you are building on your learnings and insights by introducing human-centered practices into your workplaces. Once you have gained a fuller sense of what can be done to make your environments psychologically healthy, the real work can begin.

We all have a bigger influence on those around us than we think, so the attitudes and approaches we bring to our work and social environments are not insignificant.

Never underestimate your good leadership qualities no matter what position you hold as every supportive act and conversation counts dearly.

Sonia

Sonia Last

Editor

🎧 Inside Out: Mental Health at Work and in Life - Our Podcast

Looking for some inspiration? Our free Inside Out: Mental Health at Work and in Life podcast is the perfect place to start.

With a growing library of honest, thought-provoking conversations covering some of today's most relevant topics, there's something for everyone. So grab a coffee, put your feet up, and tune in!

Here are just a few of our recent episodes we think you'll love:

Precarious Contracts, PhD Burnout, and Why Academia Needs Flag Bearers - Camilla, a postdoctoral cancer researcher at University College Dublin, opens up about the pressures of academic life, the reality of burnout in research, and why the sector urgently needs people willing to speak out and drive change.

From Hospitality to Manufacturing: Why Wellbeing Language Beats Stigma - Jane Gill, a Manufacturing Technician in the biopharma industry, shares her journey across two very different sectors and makes a compelling case for why the words we use around mental health can make all the difference in breaking down stigma at work.

Emotional Intelligence, Difficult Conversations, and Why Leadership is a Skill - Andy Coley, leadership development trainer, keynote speaker, and experienced NLP practitioner, explores what it really takes to lead well - from navigating hard conversations to building the emotional intelligence that sets great leaders apart.

Click here to stream all episodes free

We'd love to hear which topics resonate with you!

Know what’s available in your workplace

As mental health and wellbeing champions, it helps to be familiar with the existing supports and policies in your workplace that could support people to work more sustainably. These may be employee support programmes, policies around leave or reasonable adjustments, employee benefits or any other helpful initiatives.

Often these great resources are underutilised because people don’t know about them or are afraid to use them due to confidentiality concerns. Putting these fears to rest and knowing what is available are important bits of kit for any mental health first aider.

Think of it like being a physical first aider: knowing where the first aid box is and how to use it, could save a life.

Don't forget, there is a wealth of free resources that your can tap into our Online Learning Platform.

Pockets full of joy:

If children benefit from having small stress toys in their pockets or pencil case, we can too. Finding a little pocket reminder or support can shift your mindset to a calmer or more joyful place. When my son was small, I would regularly find toy animals in my pockets like giraffes, tortoises or the odd fish. Who wouldn’t be delighted by that, especially in a dreary meeting or at the bus stop?

These days I find acorns, stones or seed pods that connect me to earth. Surprise yourself with some random pocket fancies that could bring a little comfort or composure when you most need it and least expect it.

Favourite Quote:

"For fast-acting relief, try slowing down."

- Lily Tomlin

Every conversation, every supportive act and every moment of compassion shapes the culture around us, let’s continue building workplaces where people truly feel seen, supported and valued.

Warm wishes,

Sonia and the MHScot Team

www.mentalhealthscot.land