At the meeting of the COSLA Health and Social Care Board on Friday 16th May, members heard an insightful presentation from the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) on their Digital Lifelines programme. The programme embeds digital inclusion and digital services to reduce harm for people who use drugs.

Other key policies and proposals considered by the Board included new guidance on software as a medical device; the impact on Local Government of the Scottish Government Landscape Review for digital and data in social work and social care; and endorsement of a National Transitions Strategy for young disabled children.

The meeting coincided with Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW). COSLA is recognising the week through the launch of a new report, agreed at the Board meeting, that highlights the many ways in which Local Government plays a role in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our communities.

Reflecting on the focus of this year’s MHAW, “Community”, COSLA’s Spokesperson for Health and Social Care, Councillor Paul Kelly, commented:

“Local Authorities, and colleagues on the Health and Social Care Board, take wide ranging actions to support safe, positive communities in their areas, as well as wider actions to promote and support mental health, helping ensure individuals can access support they may need.”

The next Health and Social Care Board meeting is scheduled for 1st August 2025.