Further funding announced for Rural Mental Health Forum

A further £50,000 funding has been announced by the Scottish Government for the National Rural Mental Health Forum.

​The National Rural Mental Health Forum brings together more than 100 member organisations from the public, private and third sectors and is dedicated to ensuring people in rural Scotland lead mentally healthy lives.

The continuation of funding for the Rural Forum for 2019-20, the same level as last year, was announced by the Minister for Mental Health, Clare Haughey MSP, during a visit to The Royal Highland Show.

She said:

"The future prosperity of the rural economy is intertwined with the wellbeing of its biggest and best asset - the people of rural Scotland.

"Helping rural communities and businesses thrive is a priority for this Government, which is why I am delighted that we are providing a further £50,000 of support to the National Mental Health Forum.

"This will make a real difference to the wellbeing of the people of rural Scotland and help ensure that regardless of where we live, we can all reach our full potential."

The Forum raises awareness through its membership organisations, attending and presenting at conferences, reducing stigma, furthering research, informing policy and promoting training in mental health.

Jim Hume, Convener of the Rural Forum - which is run by Support in Mind Scotland - said:

"I am delighted at the support from the Scottish Government for the National Rural Mental Health Forum.

"In its two years since starting, the National Rural Mental Health Forum has grown in membership, with over 100 organisations from the public, private and third sectors joining in the vital agenda to improve mental health and wellbeing in rural Scotland.

"This support will ensure that the Forum can continue to address mental health stigma, raise awareness, further research, inform policy and encourage mental health training across Scotland.

"The Forum is dedicated to ensure that people living in rural Scotland lead mentally healthy lives and with this armada of organisations focused on doing so, then the impact is bound to lead to improved well-being in the remote and rural parts of Scotland."

Visit the Rural Wellbeing website to find out more.