One in four people in Scotland experiences a mental health problem each year -; that’s well over a million people. That’s why charities like SAMH are so important. SAMH is both a campaigning charity and a service provider, providing community based services for people across Scotland with mental health problems.

•Gr8 music show whilst discussing mental health with Nina at The Hive at Royal Ed hospital. Run by fab @SAMHtweets pic.twitter.com/4eNFMh8hW7

– Ian Murray (@IanMurrayMP) July 3, 2015

I spent some time with Nina from SAMH at the activity centre and coffee bar, The Hive, at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital here in South Edinburgh. It provide a space for activities for in-patients of the Royal Edinburgh Hospital, including art classes, jewellery making, outings and computer tutoring.

It was really helpful to speak with Nina and see the work they do. It was particularly concerning to hear that the top concern for SAMH service users is welfare reform and the related area of employment support. Ninety per cent of those surveyed received out of work sickness benefits such as Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), and 98% of that group say that their mental health has suffered as a result of welfare reform.

For more information on SAMH, visit their website – www.samh.org.uk

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