National Rural Mental Health Forum

National Rural Mental Health Forum

Join National Rural Mental Health Forum online for a day filled with insightful discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities focused on mental health in rural communities. This event is designed to bring together experts, practitioners, and community members to address the unique challenges and solutions for mental health in rural areas. Don't miss this chance to learn, connect, and make a difference in rural mental health!

11:00am – Welcome and Introductions

11:05am - Reflections on NHS 24’s Mental Health Service Delivery and opportunities for further engagement, Tony McLaren, NHS24 Breathing Space

This session will give participants a current overview of NHS 24’s MH service delivery and how it has evolved to offer the people of Scotland further choice if they are experiencing distress in their lives. It will look at the consistent messaging that is essential when communicating what these services provide and how a shared accuracy is all important so as not to raise confusion or incur reputational risk for our services. As National services we need to acknowledge what challenges are around for particular populations resident in rural, or urban, populations and how technology can be supportive as a viable choice and alternative to face to face support. As always, we would be interested in what opportunities are around for further partnership and engagement working within rural settings.

11:45pm – Early Intervention and Prevention, What is best practice? - Carina Bryce, Change Mental Health

Join us for a chance to explore what's next in making early intervention and prevention even more powerful at maintaining mental wellbeing and reducing the impact of mental ill health. Together, we'll examine strategies that support mental health for everyone, everywhere and look closely at what makes a difference in remote and rural areas.

12:25pm - VOX Scotland joins the Rural Mental Health Forum to share the findings of their lived experience report, Your Views: Psychiatrists in Scotland

12:55pm – Closing Remarks and Date of Next Meeting Wednesday 26th of February at 11am online

1:00pm - Close