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The charities will share expertise, so all frontline colleagues can recognise mental health and animal welfare issues.

Scottish SPCA and SAMH will support mental health and people’s pets.

Two charities in Scotland have announced that they will be teaming up, forming a partnership which will promote the welfare of people as well as their pets.

Scottish SPCA and the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) will be collaborating to support all 32 local communities in Scotland, sharing resources that enables all colleagues to identify mental health and animal welfare issues.

The partnership comes in response to statistics demonstrating the long term effects that the pandemic and cost of living crisis is having on the people of Scotland.

A nationwide survey in March 2023 saw one in three adults in the UK report that their mental health deteriorate since the global pandemic. Furthermore, SAMH reports that 220,000 pet owners in Scotland have had to cut back on food or care for their pets due to financial concerns.

The partnership was motivated by research from the Human Animal Bond Research Institute, which finds that pets play a supportive role in helping people manage long-term mental health conditions. They believe that, by combining their resources, they can work together to tackle these interconnected issues together.

The two charities will support each other by sharing their respective expertise, meaning that all of their frontline colleagues will be trained to identify mental health issues as well as potential animal welfare issues. This will enable them to direct those in need of mental health support to appropriate services, as well as advising those struggling with pet care on how to access pet food banks, vet care or pet behavioural support.

They hope that, by expanding support of both human and pet welfare, they will help more people experiencing mental health problems or financial concerns to keep their animal companions.

Steve Tufnell is one of SAMH’s service users, and acknowledges the difference that pets can make to mental health.

Speaking about his nine-year-old cat, Stan, he said: “Stan always notices when you’re down. He’ll come up to you and roll over, looking for cuddles. And his purring has a positive impact on your mood.

“When I was in that dark place, I came home after contemplating suicide, took one look at Stan’s face and thought ‘what have I almost done?’ Knowing what I know now, I just go and see Stan if I’m feeling low.”

Kirsteen Campbell, Scottish SPCA’s chief executive, said: “Our inspectors meet many people who, as well as needing support with their animals, are also struggling with their mental health. Although financial worries are not the only driver of poor mental health, the added pressure of the financial climate is exacerbating these underlying issues in many cases and leading to people and animals finding themselves in crisis.

“However, pets can also often be a really positive influence in their owner’s lives and source of comfort during difficult times. This is just one of the reasons we believe no one should have to give up their pet because they are struggling financially.”

Image © Scottish SPCA

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