Dear supporters, 

I’m pleased to share that we’ve had a small but significant victory in our fight to protect community mental health services across Edinburgh.  

The Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (EIJB) has decided to delay their decision on cuts to vital mental health services until August. 

This delay is a direct result of your support—your signatures, your shares, and your messages of support have made a difference. 

However, while this is a win, it’s not the end of the challenge we face. We still need your help to ensure that the EIJB listens to the voices of everyone who relies on these services and scraps the proposed cuts.  

Here’s what you can do right now: 

If you live in Edinburgh, contact your councillors and MSPs: let them know that you oppose these cuts and ask them to stand up for community mental health services in Edinburgh. You can use the template letter below to make it easy to send your message and you can find and write to your representatives at Write to Them. 

Wherever you live, keep sharing: the more people know about this issue, the more pressure we can apply. Share the petition with your friends, family, and on social media—let’s keep the momentum high. 
 
Letter template to local Councillors and MSPs: 

Subject: Oppose Cuts to Mental Health Services in Edinburgh 
Dear [Councillor/MSP Name], 

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed cuts to community mental health services in Edinburgh, including the services delivered by the Thrive Collective, which are currently under consideration by the Edinburgh Integration Joint Board (EIJB). 

As a [concerned resident / advocate for mental health] in our community, I believe that community mental health services are a vital lifeline for many people.  
Cutting these services would have devastating consequences, particularly for those already struggling with mental health issues. Access to proper care and support is crucial for the well-being of Edinburgh’s residents, and we cannot afford to lose these essential services. 

I urge you to take a firm stance against these cuts and advocate for adequate funding for mental health services. Please let me know what actions you plan to take to ensure that our community has access to the care and support it needs. 

Thank you for your attention to this critical issue. I look forward to hearing from you soon. 

Sincerely, [Your Name] 
[Your Address] 
[Your Contact Information] 

On behalf of the Thrive Collective and the people that use our services, thank you for your support and solidarity. 

Katie at SAMH