A new campaign has launched to improve the mental health and wellbeing of young people and the adults in their lives across Scottish island communities.

‘Island Minds Matter’ is a new programme of activity by Change Mental Health designed to strengthen young people’s mental health and wellbeing in island communities, supported by the Scottish Government through its new National Islands Plan. It sets out targeted actions and investments to bolster the long-term prosperity and resilience of Scotland’s islands.

Delivered throughout 2026/27, the initiative will bring together young people, educators, community leaders and local organisations to improve access to mental health support, build community resilience and tackle stigma surrounding mental health on Scotland’s islands.

This reflects Change Mental Health’s commitment to deliver preventative support in communities that tackles mental health issues early, responding to the unique challenges faced by island communities.

The initiative will look to create stronger, more connected island communities where they can openly talk about mental health and access support when they need it.

Using the charity’s award-winning national Young People’s Programmes, the team will deliver ‘Island Minds Matter’ through three key strands:

• Bloom: The charity’s evidence-based, mental health education programme for young people aged 14-16 will be delivered in secondary schools through intensive ‘Bloom Weeks’. This will provide workshops for pupils, training for school staff and support for parents and carers. The programme aims to build resilience, improve emotional literacy and increase confidence in having conversations about mental health – developing a legacy that will enable schools to sustain the programme.
• Mental Health Champions: Already a training programme in Change Mental Health’s arsenal, this will recruit and train local young champions up to age 25, educators and youth workers, and community leaders. They will receive specialist training to enable the promotion of positive mental health and challenging stigma. A peer support network and dedicated mental health directory will also improve awareness of local and national support services.
• Engaging with the Young Islanders Network (YIN): The network will play an integral part in shaping and delivering mental health activities that will inform workshops on wellbeing, resilience and peer support. Through different sessions and opportunities, young islanders will help ensure that mental health support reflects the experiences and priorities of their communities.

Hannah Dibnah, Service Manager for Young People’s Programmes at Change Mental Health, said:

“Island communities often face unique challenges when it comes to accessing mental health support.

“Through ‘Island Minds Matter’, we want to work alongside local people to build sustainable networks of support. Young people will be empowered to shape change in their communities, ensuring that mental health and wellbeing remain a priority across Scotland’s islands.

“This programme is about creating lasting impact through collaboration, education and community leadership. We already have close connections with the Young Islanders Network and other organisations, schools and community groups. That engagement has already started and we are looking forward to ensuring that people have the confidence they need to talk and address mental health, now and into the future.”

80% of people supported by Change Mental Health live in rural and island communities across Scotland, with an understanding of the importance of enabling access to local mental health support and education. With latest work delivering a cross-sector exploration of early intervention and prevention, a report named ‘Roots of Resilience’, the the National Rural and Islands Mental Health Forum is an initiative to influence policy, tackle stigma and deliver change within these communities.

Mental Wellbeing Minister Maree Todd said:

“The National Islands Plan sets out our commitment to supporting sustainable and thriving island communities, with actions shaped by the needs and priorities of islanders themselves. Island Minds Matter is a strong example of that approach in practice, empowering young people to help shape local mental health support and ensuring that island communities are equipped with the tools, knowledge and networks they need to support positive wellbeing for years to come.

“Every young person, no matter where they live, should be able to access the support they need to look after their mental health and wellbeing. That is why I am pleased to see the launch of Change Mental Health’s ‘Island Minds Matter’ programme, supported through Scotland’s new National Islands Plan. By working with young people, schools, families and communities, this initiative will help build resilience, tackle stigma and encourage open conversations about mental health across our islands.”