‘Good Mental Health for All’ is a multi-agency project which aims to develop a refreshed mental health and wellbeing strategy for Shetland. The steering group leading the project includes representation from NHS Shetland, Shetland Islands Council, the third sector and people with lived experience. During the month of August, the steering group will be undertaking community engagement with a variety of groups and individuals.
Dr Susan Laidlaw, Director of Public Health and chair of the steering group said: “It is really important for us to hear from people in Shetland about what affects their mental health and what can help to improve it. This will help us to develop the strategy and make sure we have the right priorities for our communities.”
The focus of the planned strategy will be on promoting wellbeing; preventing mental health problems, and helping people early when they do develop mental health difficulties. There will be a focus on identifying and tackling health inequalities and also understanding the needs of people who are living with mental health problems.
Dr Laidlaw continued: “Good mental health is determined by many individual factors, but also a wide range of external ones – such as social and economic factors and the environment and communities where we live. Through the implementation of the strategy, we want to support people to be born, grow, live, work and age in the best circumstances possible. This will help to give everyone, the best chance of being mentally healthy and resilient throughout their life.”
Further information about the project can be found at www.healthyshetland.com/good-mental-health-for-all/ and there are a number of opportunities to get involved. There is an online questionnaire which can be accessed via the website and on the Healthy Shetland social media channels.
During the month of August, there will also be public displays at the Living Well Hubs in Brae, Scalloway and Bressay; Shetland Library and Market House. Displays may also pop up at other venues. There is also the opportunity to run workshop sessions with groups, further details about this are available on the Healthy Shetland website.