Written Question · S4W-00878 · Session 4
What information it holds regarding the incidence of mental illness among the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities com…
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive what information it holds regarding the incidence of mental illness among the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities compared to the general population.
The answer
Information on the incidence of mental illness among the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities in the Scottish population is not collected.
However, research shows that LGBT people experience higher levels of mental illness, including higher rates of suicide and self-harm, than the general population.
The Scottish Government is currently funding the LGBT Centre for Health and Wellbeing in Edinburgh to run the Demonstration Project, in partnership with NHS Lothian. The main aim of the project is to provide learning and create the foundations for lasting and sustainable culture change in relation to responding to the needs of LGBT people who experience mental health problems, and to enhance the mental wellbeing and resilience of LGBT people. The project has been running since July 2010, with Scottish Government funding of £50,000 in 2010-11, and £120,000 in 2011-12.
However, research shows that LGBT people experience higher levels of mental illness, including higher rates of suicide and self-harm, than the general population.
The Scottish Government is currently funding the LGBT Centre for Health and Wellbeing in Edinburgh to run the Demonstration Project, in partnership with NHS Lothian. The main aim of the project is to provide learning and create the foundations for lasting and sustainable culture change in relation to responding to the needs of LGBT people who experience mental health problems, and to enhance the mental wellbeing and resilience of LGBT people. The project has been running since July 2010, with Scottish Government funding of £50,000 in 2010-11, and £120,000 in 2011-12.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S4W-00878 by reference.