The turn of the year can bring mixed feelings. For some, New Year is hopeful. For others, it can feel heavy, reflective, or full of pressure to feel differently than we do.

As the year comes to a close, we want to say thank you to all our members, both individuals and groups, for your support and solidarity. Your lived experience, time, and willingness to speak up are what make Vox Scotland what it is. We are stronger because of your involvement.

For many people, the Christmas period can be hard. It can bring loneliness, pressure, grief, or difficult memories, especially when there is an expectation that everyone should feel festive.

Over the festive period, we will be posting less as we take a short break to recharge. We'll be back in the new year, ready to continue our work. Thank you for your understanding & we hope everyone is able to take care of themselves over the period, in whatever way feels right.

Over the past year, Vox Scotland has worked to ensure lived experience continues to shape national decision-making. Together with our members, we published our Manifesto for the 2026 Scottish Elections, responded to national consultations and parliamentary scrutiny,

Our new manifesto is shaped directly by people with lived experience. It sets out what needs to change in Scotland’s mental health system and what the next Government must do. Join VOX Scotland and make your voice part of the movement for change! voxscotland.org.uk/vox-scotland...

Our members shaped our manifesto - their experiences and ideas are at the heart of it. Become a member and help us demand change at the Scottish elections. voxscotland.org.uk/vox-scotland...

When people with lived experience come together, change becomes possible. Our manifesto shows what Scotland can achieve with the right investment and compassion. Join VOX and help shape the future of mental health care. voxscotland.org.uk/vox-scotland...

Today is #HumanRightsDay. Getting the right care for ill mental health in Scotland still depends too much on where you live, who you speak to, or how long you can wait. Our manifesto calls for real change: mental health law based on human rights...

Have you read our election manifesto? It calls for better funding, consistent care and real rights for people with severe and enduring mental illness. Join us and strengthen the lived experience voice speaking directly to Scotland’s politicians. voxscotland.org.uk/sign-up/

Our members shaped this manifesto. Their experiences and ideas are at the heart of it. Become a member and help us demand change at the Scottish elections. Your Manifesto. Your Voice. Read the manifesto voxscotland.org.uk/wp-content/u... and join here voxscotland.org.uk/sign-up/

LAUNCHED TODAY! VOX’s election manifesto calls for better funding, consistent care and real rights for people with severe and enduring mental illness. Join us and strengthen the lived experience voice speaking directly to Scotland’s politicians. voxscotland.org.uk/wp-content/u...

Our members receive our newsletter every Wednesday full of updates, news and opportunities to get involved in our work. Our members are the bedrock of everything we do and we work hard to make sure your voice is heard. It's free to join - find out morehttps://voxscotland.org.uk/sign-up/

Have you read our lived experience report on complaining about mental health services in Scotland? Members told us about difficulties accessing and going through the process of making a complaint against a mental health service, and dissatisfaction with responses and outcomes.

It's #MemberMonday so this is a big thank you to all our members who share their time, energy and stories to make change. If you're interested in joining VOX, we have a range of memberships and all are FREE! Find out more voxscotland.org.uk/sign-up/

It's #MemberMonday so this is a big thank you to all our members who share their time, energy and stories to make change. If you're interested in joining VOX, we have a range of memberships and all are FREE! Find out more voxscotland.org.uk/sign-up/

Can you help CAPS Advocacy? They facilitate 'More Than A Label', a collective advocacy group for people who may attract the diagnosis of a personality disorder. The group feels there are improvements that can be made to mental health services in Edinburgh

What a great conference AND we were shortlisted for @VHSComms annual poster competition. It's always valuable to get together with others across the sector and beyond, to listen and share ideas #StrengthInNumbers #VoxVoices

'Prevention, early intervention, and community-based care can only work if local services survive and thrive. Once they are gone it will be too late.' Read VOX Manager Natalie's reflections on meeting the Minister for Social Care & Mental Wellbeing voxscotland.org.uk/2025/10/27/r...

It's #MemberMonday so this is a big thank you to all our members who share their time, energy and stories to make change. If you're interested in joining VOX, we have a range of memberships and all are FREE! Find out more voxscotland.org.uk/sign-up/

On #WorldMentalHealthDay we share these statistics from the United Nations which paint a clear picture of services and budgets that are not meeting the needs of those who have mental illness. Your voice can help us make change - join VOX today voxscotland.org.uk/sign-up/

We are so grateful to be working alongside the wonderful North West Recovery Community today at our session for pharmacy students at Strathclyde University today! VOX members will be talking about their experiences of...

Have you read our response to the Government's consultation on Polypharmacy guidance? Our members responded to our questionnaire and focus group and we used the responses to highlight what matters most to our members. We are very grateful to everyone who shared their views and experiences.

We are proud to be part of Scotland's Mental Health Partnership and to share our manifesto for 2026 Scottish elections. We are calling on the next Scottish Government to take bold and decisive action to address the current crisis...

We welcome the Scottish Government’s Psychiatry Recruitment & Retention Working Group Final Report and pleased to see it draws on recommendations from our Your Views: Psychiatry report. We're keen to support turning recommendations into action shorturl.at/DCBWx

Read our submission to Health Committee’s pre-budget scrutiny calling for fairer mental health investment. 🔹 Spending must match rising need 🔹 Fund community & prevention 🔹 Protect third sector services 🔹 Transparency + lived experience in decisions

Do you have experience of ill mental health - or work for an organisation that supports people who do? Then join us as a member (for free!) and make your voice heard! Sign up and find out more here voxscotland.org.uk/sign-up/

This petition, started by a Vox member needs your support! It calls on Scottish Parliament to amend the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman Act 2002 allowing for a two-year complaints period for people with cognitive disabilities. Sign & more info here shorturl.at/CkxHp

Want to be part of changing how mental health is talked about, treated, and supported in Scotland? We are led by people with lived experience and we’re always looking for new voices. Add yours! Help shape policy, challenge stigma, and build community. Join VOX for free → voxscotland.org.uk/join

We've extended our survey on complaints about mental health care! It will now close on 24th August, so there's still time to make your voice heard. If you've ever complained - or tried to - please take & share our anonymous survey fe3f3zzl3jq.typeform.com/to/ktTR5aiz #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs

Our survey on complaints about mental health care will close on Sunday 17th August, so there's still time to make your voice heard! If you've ever complained - or tried to - please take our anonymous survey (& please share!) fe3f3zzl3jq.typeform.com/to/ktTR5aiz #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs

Did you know you can join Vox as a member for FREE! Whether you have lived experience of ill mental health or work for an organisation that supports those who do, there's a membership for you. Sign up to make your voice heard voxscotland.org.uk/sign-up/ #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs #MembershipMonday

We 🧡 co-production! Read more about the work we do 🔗 bit.ly/3ZjhRoV

Tried to make a complaint about mental health care — and felt unheard? We want to hear from you. Take our short, anonymous survey and help shape a fairer system. Closes midnight 17 August fe3f3zzl3jq.typeform.com/to/ktTR5aiz #MentalHealthScotland #VOXVoices #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs

Stigma continues to be a major barrier for people with experience of a mental illness – even from friends/family members. Our friends at See Me have useful tools & resources to help you improve your understanding of mental health & get tips on opening up. bit.ly/PublicStigma

Mental health complaints systems aren’t working — and people are being let down. VOX Scotland’s new survey is here to collect your experiences and solutions. It’s co-designed by lived experience, because real change starts with real stories.

Many people struggle to raise concerns about mental health care — from unclear systems to not being taken seriously. We’ve launched a survey to gather real experiences and practical ideas for change. Co-designed with a Vox member, because your experience should shape change...

We know many people face barriers when trying to raise concerns about mental health services — from unclear processes to feeling ignored. We've launched a survey to capture experiences & ideas for improvement. Co-designed with a Vox member, because your insight is essential.

Mental health journeys aren’t one-size-fits-all & no one should have to navigate them in isolation. We connect people with lived experience to shape better services, influence policy & support one another. Want to be part of something meaningful? Join us! voxscotland.org.uk/join

“There is a vulnerability in trying to access services, which ultimately creates loneliness.” Richard’s story is a powerful reminder of what it means to live with mental ill health in a system full of red tape, disconnection & silence. Read his story here

We believe you should be leading the conversation — not sidelined by it. If you’ve ever felt unheard in your mental health journey, know this: your voice belongs here. Join our community & help shape mental health services across Scotland: voxscotland.org.uk/join #VoxVoices

“Nothing about us, without us.” This principle drives everything we do at VOX Scotland. Your perspective can shape services, influence policy, and support others on their journey. Find out more about becoming a member here voxscotland.org.uk/sign-up/ #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs #JoinUs

Thank you everyone who came along to our AGM! A great day looking back over the achievements of last year and forward to Vox's future. Our members' voice is our strength. Did you know you can join Vox for free? Find out more here! voxscotland.org.uk/sign-up/ #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs

We believe your experience is vital to shaping mental health services. Get involved by becoming a member for free! We focus on the issues that matter to our members, undertake research and provide training to make sure your views are heard. voxscotland.org.uk/sign-up/ #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs

💡 Understanding Mental Health Legislation in Scotland Navigating mental health legislation can be complex. VOX Scotland offers resources to help you understand your rights & laws affecting mental health care in Scotland. www.voxscotland.org.uk/mental-health-legislation/ #NothingAboutUsWithoutUS

🙌 There’s Power in Your Voice — Join VOX Today VOX is a membership organisation run by and for people with lived experience of mental health challenges. We're here to make sure your voice is heard in shaping mental health policy and services in Scotland.

"Statistically, I’m way beyond the time I should have died,” Graham Morgan tells me. “I am really conscious of that. I know that people like me die so much earlier than the rest of the population.” Excellent article in Holyrood Mag about the early death rates of Scots with severe mental illness.

it's #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek! Looking for something to do? Support our joint motion with the Royal College of Psychiatrists to the Scottish Parliament welcoming our recent report Your Views: Psychiatrists in Scotland and calling on the Scottish Government to take action

Last year Dr Pamela Jenkins came along to our AGM and gave an incredibly interesting talk. Her wonderful podcast, My Family, Mental Health…And Me , is back a third series. This powerful series shares real stories from people who grew up with a parent who had a mental illness.

Peer support practice & the peer workforce in Scotland is growing. We want to work with you to co-design a framework that builds understanding of peer support, it's core values & transformative power. Join us online, 1 May, 14:00-16:00 ➡️ peersupportframework.eventbrite.co.uk #PeerSupportScot