A Message from the Editor,

Sonia Last 📝

Well, it’s nearly the world’s birthday and this year I’ll give it something it really needs. I’ll give the natural environment more careful attention and offer a draft of tolerance and goodwill to those who call it ‘Home’.

You won’t hear any polarising negativity from me - no, nyet - nada - not a single argument or vicious moan - no spite, malice or murderous intent. When the party’s over, I’ll reassess, but I do intend to redouble my efforts in making the world a happier place, one tree, one river, one person at a time.

Sonia

Sonia Last

Editor

Spotlight: Why Workplace Wellbeing Still Isn’t Working

This month, our founder Catherine Eadie joined Vikram Shetty on his newly released podcast episode, How to Win Exec Buy-In for Culture & Wellbeing, to dig into a pattern we see across many organisations: workplace mental health is still treated as an “add-on” rather than a core part of how a business functions.

The conversation explored what’s really blocking progress - and it’s rarely budget. More often, it’s workload pressures, fear of “getting it wrong”, rushed decisions, complexity, and a culture that prefers tidy dashboards over meaningful human conversations.

A strong theme emerged: many organisations try to “fix” individuals instead of improving the conditions causing the distress. No wonder it feels messy.

And one essential truth: nothing changes unless workloads change. Stress, absence, turnover, presenteeism and mistakes all link back to the pressure people are carrying.

It’s a wide-ranging and honest discussion about what truly helps—and what gets in the way.

A huge thank you to Vikram for hosting us.

You can listen to the episode here:

• Amazon
• Spotify
• Apple

Important Suicide Guide

The first UK guide for suicide intervention, prevention and support in the workplace has been published by the British Standard’s Institution. The guidance is aimed at helping employers take judicious steps to prevent people taking their own lives wherever possible and sets out the steps and expected standards that organisations should take to ensure people’s wellbeing at work.

The BSI article outlines the document and contains the full report.

Dancing boosts our brain network and lowers our stress level, so put on your favourite tunes and boogie with abandon. Throughout history we have danced and made music because we know its value to our mental, physical, social and spiritual wellbeing. Dance whenever you feel the urge. Others will love you for it.

We all need to wallow in a bit of luxury sometimes so it’s worth thinking of ways to indulge yourself on the cheap. The words synonymous with luxury are - comfort, abundance, ease, sumptuousness and beauty. So, give yourself a bit of excessive pampering with some well-presented meals, luxurious bathroom rituals, delicious treats and wildly amusing entertainment and go on… wear your very best socks.

Small gestures have big impacts

The end of year malarky can throw up all sorts of glittering projectiles, low flying objects and shiny curved balls that challenge people’s resilience and equanimity, so take a little extra care this season and listen those around you with closer attention. Small gestures, both positive and negative, can have a significant impact at this time of year, so make yours deliberately thoughtful.

Favourite Quotes:

‘A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures for anything.’

- Irish Proverb

‘Our mind is enriched by what we receive, our heart by what we give.’

– Victor Hugo

Favourite Words:

‘Continuous partial attention’ and ‘digital multitasking’

[Provide the] false sense of being on top of things without ever getting to the bottom of anything.’ – Linda Stone, Tech Consultant, New York University.

Hopecore

A genre of online content with positive, optimistic images and messages that contrast with negative online trends.

As we wrap up for the year, we want to thank you for your support and good company. Working with you is a pleasure and a privilege and our collective learning is greatly enriched through our conversations. In helping to create healthier workplaces and happier social environments, we find our purpose and meaning. As powerful collaborators we are able to drive the change we’d like to see, one conversation at a time. Stay with us into 2026. Your input and influence is both powerful and precious.

We hope the new year brings you peace, clarity and a sleigh full of new opportunities.

Warm wishes,

Sonia and the MHScot Team

www.mentalhealthscot.land