NHS Shetland is proud to support Mental Health Awareness Week 2026, led by the Mental Health Foundation and running from Monday 11 May to Sunday 17 May.
One in four of us will experience a mental health issue at some point in our lives. This year’s theme, “Take Action”, encourages people to take positive steps to support and improve their mental wellbeing — whether that’s reaching out for support, spending time outdoors, connecting with others, or finding ways to stay active.
To mark the week, NHS Shetland’s Health Improvement Team has produced a blog featuring practical tips and ideas on ways people can take action for their mental health. You can read it here - Mind & Movement: Walking and Cycling for Wellbeing - Healthy Shetland
Jillian Charleson, Health Improvement Practitioner, said: “We know that keeping active is one of the best things we can do to support our mental health, so National Walking Month and Bike Month feel perfectly timed. Movement can have a powerful impact on both body and mind — helping to reduce stress, improve mood, boost confidence and create opportunities to connect with others. Even small actions, like going for a walk, getting out on a bike, gardening or simply moving more during the day, can make a real difference to how we feel mentally and emotionally.
“You can read more about what’s on in May on our website here - Mind & Movement: Walking and Cycling for Wellbeing - Healthy Shetland
A number of other colleagues have also contributed blog posts and articles in support of the campaign, including NHS Shetland’s Oral Health Team and Dr Emily Pathe, Consultant Psychologist, for the ABC campaign, which will be shared throughout the week.
NHS Shetland continues to work closely with partner organisations to strengthen communication and community support around suicide prevention training across Shetland.
Last year, NHS Shetland secured funding for two places on an accredited ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) Train the Trainer course. Health Improvement Practitioner Laura Russell and Mark Hughes from the charity Mind Your Head completed their training in April 2025 and are now registered ASIST Trainers.
NHS Shetland’s Health Improvement Team and Mind Your Head will continue working together to make ASIST training accessible across communities throughout Shetland.
New Dates Released – ASIST Training
The next ASIST course will take place:
- 3 and 4 June 2026
- Whiteness and Weisdale Hall
- 9am to 5pm (both days)
- Free of charge
To book a place, contact the Health Improvement Team:
- Tel: 01595 743330
- Email: shet.healthyshetland@nhs.scot
Further information and support for mental health is available through local and national support services.
- Speak to your GP if you think you need help with your mental health.
- NHS Shetland, Mental health improvement and prevention self-harm and suicide training, https://www.healthyshetland.com/mental-health-improvement-and-prevention-self-harm-and-suicide-training/(external link)
- NHS inform: Mental health support, https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/mental-health/mental-health-support/(external link)
- NHS Shetland – signposting support services, www.healthyshetland.com/signposting-to-support-services/(external link)
- When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit https://www.samaritans.org/scotland/(external link) to find your nearest branch
- Home - Suicide Prevention Scotland(external link)
- How community benefits your mental health | Mental Health Foundation(external link)
- Resources- Walking in Shetland (https://www.pathsforall.org.uk/walk-project/walk-da-rock-shetland(external link)
- Community groups – community directory, local Community Involvement and Development officers (Community Work – Shetland Islands Council(external link))
- Living Well Hub – Living Well, Advice & Support – Shetland Islands Council(external link)
- Shetland Recovery Hub and Community Network - Living Well, Advice & Support – Shetland Islands Council
- ABC Campaign - ABC Campaign – NHS Shetland