A Message from the Editor,

Sonia Last 📝

Tradition dictates that we wash our face in the morning dew on May 1^st to ensure good health and beauty. If this didn't appeal, throughout May you could light a bonfire, dance around a maypole or leave an offering at a sacred site.

These cultural rituals remind us to mark the cyclical changes of the seasons and look ahead to new possibilities. Whatever personal rite you perform to commemorate your life on earth, remember to pay tribute to your small wins and your big dreams.

Sonia

Sonia Last

Editor

Our Inside Out Podcasts

Our fascinating and informative Inside Out: Mental Health at Work and in Life podcasts are free for you to access from our website. Catherine and her guests discuss the pressing issues and current topics that are impacting our workplaces and working cultures. Grab a coffee, put your feet up and be inspired by these enlightening chats.

Here's a few of Catherine's recent conversations:

Why Your Wellbeing Services Don't Talk to Each Other

A conversation with Dr Raja Gangopadhyay, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Obstetric Lead in Perinatal Mental Health at West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, and NHS Clinical Entrepreneur.

The Core Four Skills Nobody Teaches New Leaders

Sue Naughton-Marsh, Organisational Development Strategist, Leadership Coach and Psychotherapist

Construction, Culture, and Why You Can't Shape a Bully

Marjorie Thomson, a commercial leader with more than 30 years in the construction industry.

We're always looking for guest speakers, so if you've got a perspective on what workplace mental health really looks like in practice… what's broken, what's working, and what you wish leaders understood - we would love to have that conversation. Drop us an email to [email protected].

Network Event Reminder!

Join our online Network Event for some honest chat, shared wisdoms and seasoned advice about wellbeing initiatives at work and in the community.

Everyone is welcome, so invite your friends and colleagues for some inspired conversation at our next free online event on Thursday 21 May, 12.00-1.30pm.

Register here!

How to make your organisation more neuroinclusive

Neuroinclusive practices at work can improve wellbeing, reduce staff turnover, attract a wider range of skills and experience and reduce the risk of disputes.

The ACAS Neuro-inclusion guide is a helpful resource for organisations who want to empower people to thrive at work.

Global Workplace Statistics

Here’s the latest Gallup Report: on the ‘State of the Global Workplace 2026’ that outlines employee wellbeing trends, AI and the shifting job market, the decline of engagement and other sobering statistics.

Polishing the Facets of Self-Care

Self-care can sound like a fashionably obscure concept that the younger generation bangs on about, mainly because the coinage is new but the concept is ancient.

Self-care fell out of fashion for a while possibly during the industrial revolution’s productivity drive and our increasing distance from humane and socially-minded leadership. Now, as autonomous units, we are ever-more responsible for our own health and wellbeing, since the nation, the tribe, the village and even the family dissolved in a pool of industrial acid.

So, to stand alone, we need to pay considered attention to ourselves on many fronts, as, like well-cut diamonds, we have many facets. Our physical, mental, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, financial, social and biological needs all require maintenance. Neglect in any area has a knock-on effect so only by relentlessly practicing our self-care habits, routines and rituals will we stay well.

This is life’s greatest challenge, especially if we are caring for others too, but we must do it and enlist one other’s help where needed. Sharing the load, giving and taking, being a good neighbour, friend, colleague, family or team member will help to build the safety net we need to survive. Self-care strengthens us to help others to help ourselves. It’s time to polish up our self-care facets and shine like a diamond.

Favourite Quote:

‘Relax. No one else knows what they’re doing either.’

Ricky Gervais 

These gorgeous cygnets are part of Catherine’s everyday view — how lovely?

As we move further into spring, perhaps this is your reminder that growth rarely happens all at once. It’s found in the small choices we make each day: checking in with ourselves, supporting one another, staying curious, and continuing conversations that matter.

Whether you’re leading a team, supporting others, or simply trying to navigate life as best you can, remember that wellbeing is not a destination... it’s an ongoing practice of care, connection and compassion.

Until next month, take pride in the progress you’ve made, however small it may seem. 💜

Warm wishes,

Sonia and the MHScot Team

www.mentalhealthscot.land