IT is the tune Scots all over the world sing as we bring in the New Year, and this year more than ever we are being urged to share a cup of kindness.

Mental health bodies around the country have highlighted how hard Hogmanay can be for many, while the current lockdown presents even more challenges. For Support in Mind Scotland Christmas (www.supportinmindscotland.org.uk) has been a difficult time for those they support and they anticipate the New Year to be just as testing.

Spokesman Colin Leslie said: “In a typical year, many of the people we support struggle with their mental health during the festive period. It is an understatement to say this has been no typical year, so we can understand that those challenges will be even harder this New Year.

“Loneliness, anxiety, financial hardship and family problems are among the issues that peak during the winter months, but Support in Mind Scotland and other mental health organisations will be there to provide support. The pandemic and lockdown measures have been tough on us all and it is important we look after ourselves and others.

“If you know of someone who is struggling to cope, just reaching out and asking how they are can make all the difference.

“If you are struggling yourself, seeking help is an important first step. Please remember, it is OK not to be OK. Your mental health deserves the same level of care and attention as your physical health.

“Collectively the nation has shown great spirit throughout these difficult times, and we hope people will continue to show kindness, empathy and compassion to vulnerable people living in their communities.”

The isolation that lockdown brings can also see people retreat into themselves when physical human contact is restricted.

And the Scottish Association for Mental Health (www.samh.org.uk) is urging us all to call those we know to ensure they keep their spirits up.

Carolyn Lochhead, Head of Communications and Pubic Affairs, SAMH said: “During these difficult times, it’s important we all look after our mental health and wellbeing, as well as our physical health.

“Many of us now need to spend much more time at home, possibly isolated from family, friends and loved ones. It’s crucial that do what we can to reduce isolation through other means – even a text, phone call or video chat can make a big difference.

“While we can’t control many of the challenges around us, there are still things you can do to protect your mental health and wellbeing.”

The Samaritans (www.samaritans.org) have been at the coalface throughout the pandemic They report: “In the six months since the restrictions we provided emotional support over 1,200,000 times to people struggling to cope via phone and email.

“One in five of our calls were from people who were specifically concerned about coronavirus – although our volunteers suggest that coronavirus has affected every one of our callers in some way, even if it wasn’t their main concern.

“For callers concerned about coronavirus, worries about isolation, mental ill-health, family and unemployment have been the most common concerns. As restrictions first set in, people’s concerns about coronavirus were mostly related to health, but as time has gone on, the knock-on effects of the pandemic have become more prominent, for example economic worries.

“It is clear that the pandemic is affecting everyone – but not everyone is affected in the same way, and based on our ongoing research we are particularly concerned about three groups: middle-aged men, young people and self-harm and people with existing mental health conditions.

“We should like to stress the importance of talking and reaching out to one another. There are lots of sources of support available.

“Samaritans’ volunteers will be there answering calls to our helpline throughout the festive period.”

See Me Scotland (www.seemescotland.org) is a programme for ending mental health stigma and discrimination. It is stressing the importance of connectivity and also of remaining active.

Director Wendy Halliday said: “We’ve seen three groups those who ordinarily aren’t having many problems with their mental health who are saying the pandemic is having an effect on them, on their motivation and their moods.

“And those we know have had mental problems in the past but don’t want to speak out because they feel everybody is in the same boat at the moment.

“Then there are those who have more persistent mental health problems, and what we’ve been hearing is that they maybe aren’t getting the care and treatment they ordinarily would have.

“We would support the messages that are out there to stay connected such as the Scottish Government’s Clear Your Head (www.clearyourhead.scot) campaign: meet people, go outdoors in a socially distanced way. We know that really helps.

“We would say look out for your friends, your family, your neighbour.”

She added: “And also reach out at the bells to make sure they are all right… there is nothing better than letting them know that you’re around.”