Health and wellbeing

Scotland’s farm safety record is of a considerably lower standard in comparison with the rest of the UK. To bring Scotland up to par, the Farm Safety Partnership Scotland (FSPS) has launched a new initiative in an effort to encourage farmers and crofters to prioritise their safety.

The 2018 Scottish Rural Parliament will take place in Stranraer in Dumfries and Galloway on 14th– 16th November. If you live in or are passionate about rural areas in Scotland, you can attend to learn and make your voice heard. This year's theme is "Taking Action".

The event brings together people from rural communities with decision-makers, for three days of celebration and exploration. Participants examine a wide-range of issues affecting rural communities and make recommendations for change.

A new report released by national mental health charity Support in Mind Scotland and the National Rural Mental Health Forum has highlighted the importance of safe places for people to engage and feel part of the community.

The report entitled “Well Connected Communities" is the result of research undertaken in Dumfries and Galloway, West Lothian, Ayrshire, Argyll & Bute and the Western Isles, to look at a community approach to mental health and wellbeing.

A survey about mental health and well-connected communities in rural Scotland is currently underway.

The Well Connected Communities survey is being carried out by Support in Mind and follows on from research in 2016 carried out by Support in Mind and Scotland's Rural College where people with mental ill health told them what it was like to live in rural areas.

They said they need a supportive community and highlighted the importance of being able to connect in 'low-level', non-clinical ways, ideally close to where they live. 

The Scottish Government want your views on a new draft plan to tackle loneliness and isolation in Scotland.

A public consultation has opened on the new national strategy A Connected Scotland: Tackling social isolation and loneliness and building stronger social connections.

Our friends at Rural Matters are running a Christmas campaign on mental health issues in rural areas. Take a look on their Facebook page Rural Matters and Twitter @RuralMattersSG to find out more.

A recent survey by Support in Mind Scotland (SiMS) and SRUC - Scotland’s Rural College found that 67% of respondents in rural areas had experienced depression.

Paths for All's Community Active Travel Grants scheme is now open for applications.

Grants of up to £3,000 are available to communities in Scotland to develop, deliver and promote their own community-led active travel projects. Projects must make it easier for people to walk and cycle when making short everyday journeys.

Priority will be given to projects that:

The Annual Implementation Report (AIR) of the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP) has been published.

Covering the first three years of the 2014-2020 Programme, the full report and Summary for Citizens can be viewed on the Scottish Government website.

A mental health campaign run by the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC) has won the 'Farming Hero' Award at the British Farming Awards.

SAYFC's 'Are Ewe Okay' campaign was launched in May 2016. The campaign aims to target their audience of young people living in Scotland's rural communities through raising awareness of poor mental health triggers and causes, how to recognise the signs and how to seek help if you or others are suffering.

The UK Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has issued a public call for evidence on the economic and social impacts of the UK's exit from the European Union.  So if you have evidence you can share around the potential impact for rural communities and businesses, please send it to MAC@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk.   The call for evidence is accompanied by a note outlining some preliminary analysis of the UK labour market and other countries’ migration systems to kick-start the process.