New Midlothian Mental Health and Resilience Service (MHARS) launched
Midlothian Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) has today [Aug 1] launched Midlothian Mental Health and Resilience Service (MHARS), an innovative new compassionate wellbeing service for people experiencing mental health and wellbeing crisis or distress.
Partnership working
A joint collaboration with Scottish charity Penumbra Mental Health, MHARS is open to everyone aged 18 to 65 across Midlothian, and offers same-day direct access to mental health and wellbeing support through a free confidential phone number.
Can self-refer
Open seven days a week from 8am to 10pm, the service can be accessed without a referral from a doctor or other health professional by calling 0800 118 2962.
Tailored support
MHARS has been designed to offer support around the specific needs of its users, tailoring help around what matters most, and ensuring practical advice is aimed towards more positive mental health and wellbeing.
Same day service
Helpline callers can expect a brief initial conversation to gather information about their current situation, then a return call within an hour from a mental health practitioner to help address support needs at more length.
Highly experienced professionals
MHARS mental health practitioners have a wealth of local knowledge and can help connect people to relevant community resources, services and activities. Support can additionally be tailored to include important people such as carers, family, friends and other partner agencies.
Empowering people
Midlothian Health and Social Care Head of Adult Services, Nick Clater said: “Now more than ever, we have a need to provide quick access to practical assistance for people experiencing mental health difficulties and I’m really looking forward to seeing the difference MHARS will make. This innovative new service will help people in Midlothian lead longer and healthier lives by empowering them to access the right support, at the right time, and in the right place.”
Compassionate and easy to access
Penumbra Mental Health’s Head of Service Anne-Marie Logan said: “One in 20 people at any given time is experiencing thoughts of suicide, so we really want people to know that this new service is there to offer compassionate support quickly and easily when it’s most needed. If someone’s mental wellbeing is being impacted and they choose to access the service, we’re able to support each person from a place of understanding and empathy with practical ways to move forward.”
More about the service