Question reference: S6W-14550
- Date lodged: 31 January 2023
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Current status: Answered by Kevin Stewart on 16 February 2023
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it undertakes any mental health and wellbeing impact assessments in formulating new policy, and, if this is not the case, whether it will consider creating a mental health impact assessment tool, as recommended by the Mental Health Foundation.
Answer
We do not currently routinely require formal mental health and wellbeing impact assessments. However, we expect that careful consideration of any effects on mental health is a feature of the formulation of all new Government policy; and link across directorates to facilitate this.
The Mental Health Foundation has responded to the public consultation on the forthcoming Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy with a recommendation that all Government departments should consider how their policies impact mental health. We are carefully considering all consultation responses as we develop the new Strategy, due to be published in Spring 2023. The Strategy will be evidence-based, informed by lived experience, and underpinned by equality and human rights.