Introducing the Wee Pink Dot
27th May 2026
When you live with mental illness, it can feel like the world disappears around you – jobs, social opportunities, self-confidence, even friends and family. Connection can make all the difference.
That’s why we’ve teamed up with presenter Jennifer Reoch, our ambassador Sir Chris Hoy, and other famous faces from across Scotland to launch our new social media challenge.
Introducing the Wee Pink Dot: a new symbol of support for people with mental illness.
The Wee Pink Dot challenge asks you to draw a pink dot on your hand as a visible reminder to show up for people with mental illness and call out stigma. After that, you can share your video on social media, tag SAMH, and nominate three friends or family to pass along the challenge.
Our campaign ambassadors include Olympian Duncan Scott, Paralympian Sammi Kinghorn, broadcasters Jean Johansson and Des Clarke, poet Len Pennie, and podcaster Sean McDonald. Isle of Skye electro-trad duo Valtos provide the soundtrack with ‘Fada’.
At the launch of the Wee Pink Dot challenge, we spoke to Ciaran McBride from Ayr, who has struggled on and off with his mental health since he was a teenager.
“I first experienced depression when I was about 18, and although I initially accepted professional help, the reaction to this from others made me feel guilty and ashamed – so I came off tablets and didn’t go back to the doctor. If I’d had a broken bone I would have been supported to get better, but because it was my mental health, it felt like that support just disappeared.
“I have found my own coping mechanisms over the years, and now attend a running club almost religiously, which helps massively. It gives me time to talk and to let go, and even when things are hard, we’re able to show up for one another.
“I’m supporting the Wee Pink Dot challenge because mental health shouldn’t be something we ignore. We all need to show up – for ourselves, and for those around us.”
Jennifer Reoch, our campaign ambassador, joined us at the launch and said: “Stigma doesn’t just hurt feelings, it shapes lives. We all have a part to play in creating a Scotland free from mental health stigma. That’s why I’m wearing my Wee Pink Dot with pride – it's a reminder to show up for friends, family and anyone else affected by mental health problems."
Billy Watson, our Chief Executive, said: “Too often, people living with mental illness feel like the world is slowly disappearing around them. Even the healthcare system which is set up to support us can feel out of reach. It isn’t always intentional, but as a result of stigma opportunities shrink, support becomes harder to access, and colleagues and loved ones step back.
“Connecting with others can make all the difference. That’s why we’re calling on people in communities across Scotland to show up, be there, and stay visible. If you believe in a Scotland that shows up, join our campaign. Take the Wee Pink Dot challenge.”
The Wee Pink Dot is the next step in our Show Up campaign to tackle mental health stigma and discrimination. Learn more about the campaign, including how to grab your own campaign pen and get involved.
