Scottish Recovery Network

05/02/2026

Today is all about connection, those small check-ins with friends, family, colleagues and communities that make a huge difference to our mental health and wellbeing.

And as we look ahead to the Scottish Parliament election in 2026, it’s also a moment to use our voices and ask the big questions about the future of mental health in Scotland.

🗳️Join the conversation

As part of Scotland’s Mental Health Partnership, we’re inviting you to a special online hustings on 9 March, 13:00–14:30.

You’ll hear directly from Scotland’s political leaders as we ask them:

How will they commit to improving mental health services?

What wider societal changes are needed to support wellbeing?

How will they tackle the inequalities that drive poor mental health?

💬 And this isn’t just a listen-in, you’ll be able to ask your own questions live.

Whether you have lived experience, work in mental health, campaign for change, or simply care about Scotland’s future, this is your chance to be heard.

👉 Book your place: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/scotlands-mental-health-hustings-tickets-1981127552841?aff=oddtdtcreator

03/02/2026

Just in case you missed it or as the kids say ICYMI! Here's our February newsletter for your delectation 😍

https://bit.ly/FebNews2026

02/02/2026

We're planning the 2026-2027 Peer Connects events programme but that doesn't mean the 2025-2026 events have finished 😍

- 5 February - Embedding Peer Support in Clinical Mental Health Services (webinar)

- 19 March - The Power of Peer: Reality vs Myth (in-person event, Dundee)

- 14 April - Creating Safe Spaces and Having Hopeful Conversations (online)

- 26 May - Transforming Scotland's Mental Health System: Insights and Actions (webinar)

More details in our Peer Connects brochure

https://heyzine.com/flip-book/7c47c03016.html

30/01/2026

🎥 - The Power of Peer Support in Su***de Prevention

The Scottish Government and COSLA have launched the second Creating Hope Together Action Plan, running until 2029.

It's an important time to ensure the vital role of peer support in su***de prevention is recognised.

This short film highlights the voices and experiences of peer workers from The Hive Kirkcaldy, a community hub for LGBTQIA+ people in Fife, Latnem, peer support for mums and birthing people in the north east, and Men United SCIO, peer support for men in the North East of Scotland.

Together they demonstrate the vital and unique contribution peer support makes to su***de prevention across Scotland, particularly amongst communities that face high su***de risk.

https://youtu.be/q0cTS5E9r98?si=lk8tNAh77YJMJwqC

We were asked by ***dePrevScot to collaborate on a film that showcases the vital role of peer support in su***de prevention.The film highlights the voices...

28/01/2026

📆Save the date!

Our February newsletter is out & includes the first dates for our Let's Evaluate Peer Support Roadshow!

That's right, the evaluation savvy Iona is gearing up for a series of half-day workshops & she's bringing our new Adaptable Outcome Map with her!

The Map offers a different approach to measuring impact. It's a practical framework co-designed by people who understand peer support. It uses peer support language and values and recognises that peer support creates change at multiple levels.

We can’t wait to welcome you to a workshop and we'd love to hear which mode of transport you think she should take to get there - the funnier the better! 🚁

Leave your memes, emojis, photos & GIFs in the comments🤣

Roadshow dates & locations here https://bit.ly/FebNews2026

28/01/2026

Scotland’s mental health workforce needs a rethink

SCOTLAND is struggling to staff a mental health system that meets demand. The answer isn’t only about more clinicians but about broadening how we define the workforce, and the type of support people can access.

Read more in Charity Today News

Peer Support in Scotland, a new Insight Report from Scottish Recovery Network, calls for a fundamental shift away from ‘more of the same’ towards a more

27/01/2026

Scotland is struggling to staff a mental health system that meets demand. The answer isn’t only about more clinicians but about broadening how we define the workforce and the type of support people can access.

Peer Support in Scotland, a new Insight Report from Scottish Recovery Network, calls for a fundamental shift away from ‘more of the same’ towards a more people-led, relational and human approach to mental health support, one that places lived experience at the heart of the system.

Read the report

The first in a series of four Insight Reports developed to increase knowledge and understanding of peer support in Scotland.

26/01/2026

Some advance notice to let you know that Peer Connects is coming to Discovery point in Dundee on Thursday 19 March 2026!

Event: The power of peer: reality vs myth

Peer support is powerful, but misconceptions can hinder its full potential. Is it just a chat? Does it replace professional support? Can anyone do it?

Join us to explore the difference that peer support can make whilst challenging the most common myths. Through open discussion and shared experiences, we’ll unpack misunderstandings and highlight what makes peer support unique.

An authentic look at this impactful approach to mental health recovery. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

Book your place here https://PowerOfPeer.eventbrite.co.uk

23/01/2026

The publication of Su***de Prevention Scotland's next action plan reinforces the ongoing responsibility to prevent su***de and to strengthen support for people affected by su***de, whether through experiencing suicidal thoughts, recovering from su***de attempts or coping with bereavement by su***de.

Creating Hope with Peer Support has built a strong foundation for recognising and valuing peer support in su***de prevention across the country. Over three years, we’ve witnessed peer workers and grassroots organisations flourish, and entire communities demonstrate the extraordinary power of lived experience.

By keeping lived and living experience at the centre, the project will help peer support thrive, ensuring it’s seen, understood and valued as a crucial part of this action plan and su***de prevention across Scotland.

22/01/2026

🧩Free webinar: Embedding Peer Support into Clinical Mental Health Services - 5 February, 10:00 -11:00

Our next Peer Connects webinar is for anyone supporting the design, development, and delivery of mental health services in Scotland, including Peer Workers, Service Managers, Team Leaders, and Commissioners.

Peer support is increasingly recognised as a vital part of high-quality mental health support, but what does meaningful integration with clinical services look like in practice?

Join us to hear from Kathryn Thompson, Peer Recovery Worker with Community Mental Health Team East, NHS Tayside, and Lucy Dill, Peer Worker in East Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership (East Dunbartonshire Health Information) / NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

Drawing on their lived and professional experience, they’ll share practical insights into how their service is integrating peer approaches day to day, the learning emerging from this work, and the positive impact it is having for people using services, practitioners, teams, and the wider system.

60 minutes of ideas and inspiration to kick start your day!

Book here https://PeerSupportInServices.eventbrite.co.uk

20/01/2026

💪Peer support champions! We need your help!

Our new Insight Report - Peer Support in Scotland - shares evidence and examples supporting the call for a recovery focused mental health system powered by lived experience and strengthened by peer support.

The report is designed to inform, inspire, and influence change but we need your help to share the findings far and wide!

Download the pdf https://bit.ly/PeerSupportInsightReport1

If you prefer, take a look through our flipbook version https://heyzine.com/flip-book/505ef2611b.html

We also have a limited number of hard copy versions available for people living and/or working in Scotland. Email Jane at info@scottishrecovery.net

19/01/2026