Updated March 2021by David Bradwell Background Good mental health is a fundamental part of individual, communal and societal wellbeing. In the UK, mental health disorders account for almost a quarter of the total burden of ill health. There is a well-documented burden of mental health …
scotland
Constitution and independence referendum briefing
Updated March 2021by David Bradwell Background The issue of Scottish independence or continued union within the UK continues to be the major fault line in Scottish politics. The months and weeks building up to the election in May appear already to be dominated by the political parties …
Migration, asylum and refugee issues briefing
Updated March 2021by David Bradwell Background Scotland’s population is now estimated to be around 5.4 million people, the highest level ever. Driving the growth has been the contribution of inward migration to Scotland especially over the last 20 years. According to the most recent …
Alcohol, drugs and substance misuse
Updated March 2021by David Bradwell Drugs deaths Scotland has the worst drugs death rate in Europe, and in 2020 records showed 1,264 people died, a record number for the sixth year in a row. It is about three and a half times the rate for England and Wales. Drugs regulation is a …
A Just & Green Future – Scotland
Updated March 2021by David Bradwell Background The Covid-19 pandemic and the necessary public health restrictions have meant challenges to the economy, rising unemployment and a stretched social and health care system. The pandemic has highlighted and exacerbated inequalities …
Poverty & Inequality briefing – Scotland
Updated March 2021 by David Bradwell “Poverty is not only about shortage of money. It is about rights and relationships; about how people are treated and how they regard themselves; about powerlessness; exclusion and loss of equity.” Participant at local poverty hearing held in …
Minimum Unit Pricing Live in Scotland
As of 1st May 2018 Scotland has introduced minimum unit pricing (MUP), a policy which targets harmful and hazardous alcohol consumption. This fact-sheet gives an overview of why minimum unit pricing is necessary and encourages individuals and churches to push for England to follow suit. …