Health and wellbeing problems can feel overwhelming. But as an elected member, you don't have to cope alone.
Below, we've gathered some of the resources that we consider helpful for elected members to boost or maintain their mental health and wellbeing and we'll continue to add to this list.
Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH)
Around since 1923, SAMH is Scotland’s national mental health charity. Today, it operates over 70 services in communities across Scotland, providing mental health social care support, addictions and employment services, among others.
Information Service
The SAMH Information Service provides information and support on mental health. Whether you’re seeking support, looking for more information for yourself or someone you love, or just want to have a chat about mental health, they are here to help.
NHS Education for Scotland - Wellbeing Planning Tool
When we are busy taking care of others in our work, we can forget to pay attention to our own needs. This NES Wellbeing Planning Tool from NHS Education for Scotland can help you to create your own unique plan for looking after yourself and protecting your wellbeing.
The Stress Management Society
The Stress Management Society is a non-profit organisation dedicated to helping individuals and companies recognise and reduce stress.
Stress Test
There are many resources and guides on its website that cover topics such as stress and anxiety including an individual stress test.
This valuable tool is designed to help individuals assess their current levels of stress and understand how it may affect their daily lives. The test consists of a series of questions that explore various aspects of a person’s emotional, mental, and physical well-being.
9 ways to strengthen your resilience
This article from Psychology Today gives some ideas about ways you can improve and strengthen your resilience.
Paths for All - Walking for Health
Paths for All is Scotland’s walking charity, and its mission is to support people to be active every day, to transform lives and communities through the simple act of walking.
Health Walks
Everyday walking is the key to improving the health and wellbeing of people in Scotland. Its website lists a range of safe and accessible health walks
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Scotland's Councillors 2017-2022
A survey of councillors elected in 2017. It looks at the demographic profile of councillors and questions relating to their role, such as additional employment status, how councillor duties are managed and why they chose to stand for election.
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#FollowMe2: a Social Media Guide for Elected Members
An introduction to what social media is and how councillors can use it for communication. This also contains brief guides to the most popular social media tools.