Medication for ADHD can include amphetamines and stimulants. These medications have a higher risk of severe side effects and long term risks and some are controlled drugs by law. For this reason they are usually initiated and prescribed by specialists.

In some cases GPs can take over prescribing under a Shared Care Agreement (SCA) which is convenient for the patient. Unfortunately in Lothian this SCA is not funded or resourced by the Healthboard or Scottish Government and GPs are not given any additional training in prescribing these medications. As per the GMC (General Medical Council), the responsibility for errors or adverse consequences with medication lies with the prescriber, irrespective of any SCA. Due to the of lack of resourcing and expertise, our practice has decided not to sign up to the SCAs for ADHD and prescriptions and monitoring will have to continue to be provided by the specialist. We understand this will be frustrating for some patients however we feel that prescribing safety and core GP services must be prioritised over convenience.

If you feel strongly that GPs are in an ideal position to provide these services then please contact your MSP and ask that primary care is adequately funded and trained to relieve pressure from hospital clinics.

Thrive Edinburgh are providing drop-in clinics for people aged 18-64 at the surgery on the dates and times shown below.

Please note this is on a 'first come, first served' basis as these are drop-in clinics.

Drop-in clinics in the surgery from 9am to 11am on the following Tuesdays:

• Tuesday 16th July
• Tuesday 30th July
• Tuesday 13th August
• Tuesday 27th August
• Tuesday 10th September
• Tuesday 24th September
• Tuesday 8th October
• Tuesday 22nd October
• Tuesday 5th November
• Tuesday 19th November
• Tuesday 3rd December
• Tuesday 17th December

The Thrive Drop-in Clinic is not a crisis service.

No appointment needed.

Open to people aged 18-64 who are registered with a GP.

Talk abot your mental health and how this is affecting your life.

Learn what support is available and how to access it.

Find out about local resources in your community.

www.ithriveedinburgh.org.uk

Thrive Edinburgh have drop-in clinics at other locations and different days if you are unable to attend South Queensferry Medical Practice:

• Every Monday 1-3pm at St Stephen's Church, 10 Comely Bank Road, EH4 1DW

• Every Wednesday 1-3pm at the Rannoch Centre, 6 Rannoch Terrace, EH4 7ES

• Every Thursday 9.30-11.30am at Craigroyson Health Clinic, 1b Pennywell Road, EH4 4PH

MENTAL HEALTH INFORMATION STATION: A one-stop-shop for anyone affected by mental health and wellbeing difficulties. It provides a source of support, information and signposting.

Telephone: 0131 537 8688

Location: Walpole Hall, Palmerston Place, Edinburgh, EH12 5AW.

https://services.nhslothian.scot/mentalhealthinformationstation/

AGEING WELL EDINBURGH: Aims to maintain and promote physical and mental health, wellbeing and quality of life for people over 50 in Edinburgh through a list of activities (Self-Referral).

Telephone: 0131 458 2260

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/activities/active-communities/ageing-well

THISTLE FOUNDATION: Thistle offers support to adults living with long term health conditions, long covid, or facing challenging life situations (Self-Referral).

Telephone: 0131 661 3366

https://www.thistle.org.uk/support-in-edinburgh-the-lothians-and-fife

STAFFORD CENTRE (CHANGE MENTAL HEALTH): The Stafford Centre aims to help people to manage their mental health, gain greater self-confidence and become more integrated within the community (Self-Referral).

Telephone: 0131 557 0718

https://changemh.org/

Find up to date information on the support and activities available for families across Edinburgh at

 https://services.nhslothian.scot/camhs/edinburgh/

The Feeling Good App contains a number of different audio programmes for recovery, everyday relaxation & wellbeing.

 
Good feelings make your mind function better, improving focus & concentration, making it extremely helpful for your daily life. Good feelings also help you bounce forward from setbacks and overcome challenges in your life. This is resilience, and with repetitive listening, resilience & wellbeing will grow.

Supported by Lothian NHS, the app is free to download and there are no ongoing subscriptions to pay.

For more information please visit https://www.feelinggood.app/

Are you affected by mental health challenges?
Or do you care for someone who is?
Come along to this free weekly, friendly drop-in.

• Increase your understanding of mental health
• Speak with an NHS mental health professional
• Seek guidance on education and courses
• Connect with your community
• Obtain information on volunteering and work
• Meet staff from a range of community organisations

We are open for walk in visits at the Walpole Hall every Thursday from 10.30am to 3.00pm. No appointment is necessary.
Our phone service runs on Thursdays from 10.00am - 3.00pmon 0131 537 8688.

Please click on the links below for more information:

Mental Health Information Station Leaflet

Mental Health Information Station Newsletter

https://services.nhslothian.scot/mentalhealthinformationstation/

A new website has launched in a bid to help people across Scotland look after their mental wellbeing.

If you’re going through a difficult patch, feeling stressed, anxious, or low, it’s important to remember that help is available. Mind to Mind is a new website where people who have had challenges with their mental wellbeing share their experiences to help others. The website also provides practical advice on how to deal with life’s ups and downs and signposts where people can access further support. Hearing about the experiences of others can help, visit Mind to Mind.

Your online space for mental health and wellbeing information in Edinburgh:

ithrive edinburgh

The Wellbeing Lothian website has been developed to provide information, self-help resources and links to help you manage your mental health and wellbeing.

Wellbeing Lothian

This year’s Coorie in for Winter guide - make sure and have a read for advice on keeping active, festive recipes such as Gingerbread star decorations and chocolate brioche, and information on support available in Edinburgh. You will find advice from Health in Mind and where to go for help with managing the cost-of-living crises as well as information on how to access basic services such as free wifi:

https://ithriveedinburgh.org.uk/coorie-in-for-winter-2023-24/