Name
eMHIC Fireside Chat: Scaling Support Together
Date & Time
Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 6:00 AM - 7:00 AM
Fiona Costello Chris Wright Ben Locke Barry Syme
Description

Scotland’s healthcare system continues to navigate complex challenges in providing timely, accessible, and effective mental health support. While the government and local authorities have taken steps to address these issues, with ongoing efforts aimed at improving equity and expanding access to care, there are still individuals in remote and underserved areas in need of mental health care options. As demand grows, it’s critical to adopt innovative solutions that help bridge the fragmented care pathways, integrate with traditional care systems, and reach individuals where they are in their mental health journey, when they need it most.  

Join us for a dynamic discussion with leaders in Scottish health, Chris Wright, National Advisor for Digital Mental Health, The Scottish Government; Barry Syme of Glasgow; Dr. Ben Locke, Chief Clinical Officer, Togetherall; and Fiona Costello, eMHIC MC: as we explore how peer-to-peer support is being used across Scotland to strengthen mental health infrastructure, promote early intervention, and reach people who may not otherwise engage with conventional services.  

In our webinar, we’ll dive into how Togetherall’s clinically moderated platform is being used alongside NHS and third-sector support models to expand mental health care options. We’ll discuss how the platform creates a safe, anonymous space for individuals to connect and share at their own pace, and examine its role in improving access, reducing stigma, and supporting diverse needs in a clinically sound and equitable way.  
 

Key Discussion Points:

  • Digital Mental Health Strategy: Why is a digital mental health strategy necessary when seeking to support the mental health of populations? 
  • Public – Private Partnerships: What role do public-private relationships/partnerships play in providing mental health support to large populations?  
  • Clinical Rigor in Digital Mental Health: How can rigorous clinical policy and practice be implemented at scale? What does clinical intervention look like when supporting populations?  How can you determine if a private-partner truly employs clinical rigor in practice? 
  •  AI and Digital Mental Health: What are some of the implications and risks of over-reliance on rapidly emerging AI services in digital mental health?  
  • Traditional Services Integration: How can population supports work hand-in-hand with traditional mental health services? 
Location Name
Online via Zoom