New Partnership Aims to Strengthen Mental Health Support in Rural Scotland

A pioneering new partnership has been launched to improve mental health awareness and support across Scotland’s rural and agricultural communities, with a particular focus on firearm certificate holders.

The initiative, funded by a £10,000 grant from the Scottish Government, brings together RSABI (the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution) and Police Scotland to deliver the Scottish Firearms Mental Health Awareness and Support Partnership. The collaboration aims to promote early intervention, reduce stigma, and create safer, more supportive rural environments.

Change Mental Health is joining the pioneering new partnership with a host of organisations representing farming, gamekeeping, mental health, field sports and target shooting, which has been established in Scotland to build awareness and understanding of health and wellbeing in relation to firearms licensing.

The partnership will focus on providing practical guidance and reassurance to individuals and families, encouraging open conversations about mental wellbeing—especially during periods of significant life change, such as financial pressures, family difficulties or health challenges.

Speaking at the Royal Highland Show, Minister for Agriculture, Marine and the Islands, Jim Fairlie welcomed the initiative, highlighting both its preventative potential and its importance for communities that can often experience isolation.

“The Scottish Government are funding £10K for the new Scottish Firearms Mental Health Awareness and Support Partnership being led by RSABI and Police Scotland,” he said.
“The Partnership is going to help create a more open environment for everyone in our agricultural and rural communities. Enabling people and their families to have early conversations when there is a significant change in someone’s life.
You and I all know people in our communities that have been affected by suicide and by supporting people this way we can change lives for the better.”

Rural communities can face unique mental health challenges, including geographic isolation, long working hours, and limited access to services. The new partnership seeks to address these issues by building awareness, offering tailored support, and strengthening links between statutory services and trusted rural organisations such as RSABI.

Police Scotland will play a key role in the initiative by working alongside farming organisations and community groups to ensure that messaging and support mechanisms are accessible, practical and sensitive to local needs. The partnership also aims to support those involved in firearms licensing, ensuring that mental health considerations are handled with care, understanding and appropriate signposting to support services.

RSABI, which has a long history of supporting people in Scottish agriculture, will lead efforts to engage with farmers, crofters and others living and working in rural areas, reinforcing the importance of seeking help early and looking out for friends, family and neighbours.

The initiative is expected to deliver a range of resources and awareness activities in the coming months, helping to break down stigma and ensure people feel confident seeking support when they need it.

By encouraging early conversations and fostering a culture of openness, the partnership aims to make a meaningful contribution to reducing suicide risk and improving mental wellbeing across Scotland’s rural communities.

Find out more about RSABI and Change Mental Health