National Rural & Islands Mental Health Forum

Join National Rural & Islands Mental Health Forum for an important national forum bringing together practitioners, policymakers, community leaders, and people with lived experience

Agenda

11am – Welcome and Introductions

11:05am – Cancer and Mental Health in rural Scotland, Gordon McInnes, Mental Health Network Glasgow and Greater Clyde. Ben Young, University of Glasgow

People with a serious long term mental health challenge tend to die over ten years earlier than the rest of society. There may be many reasons for this but research shows that they are less likely to take up cancer screening. Mental Health Network Greater Glasgow as well as Glasgow University, NHS Ayrshire and Arran & NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde are looking to undertake research that looks at why this is the case. We are eager to talk to people that are aged 50+ with a serious mental illness (bipolar, schizophrenia or psychosis) or their carers about their views regarding screening as well as their carers, relatives or supporters. Participants can be interviewed or attand a focus group and participants will be paid (£30 in Love to Shop vouchers).

12 noon – Post Scottish 2026 Elections: What comes next for Rural Mental Health Policy?

Description: Through a cozy coalition, determined deals or a brilliant budget – the next Scottish Government’s policy agenda will flow from multiple parties. Jamie Grant, Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Change Mental Health, reflects on the May 2026 Scottish Parliament election to see where each party stands on rural, island and mental health policy. Share your own views on how compromise and co-operation could shift the policy prospectus in Scotland’s 7th Parliament.

12:55pm – Closing Remarks

Date of next meeting – Royal Highland Show, Avenue 7, Stand 7

1pm – Close