By Jim Hume, Convener of The National Rural Mental Health Forum, Support in Mind Scotland

As 2022 dawns, it is natural to look back on the year that was and forward to the year to come. Looking back we have had a year of Covid restrictions, some return to normality and again further concerns re the coronavirus spread.

The National Rural Mental Health Forum has embraced the digital online revolution that many now take part in, with Zoom being used daily. That has helped to connect many of us, and although our Forum has not met face-to-face in 2021, it has undertaken 28 online events with over 2200 attendees and its membership now has grown to over 210 organisations involved. Tackling mental health, sharing good practice, furthering understanding and taking forward actions. There is a real passion to tackle mental health and wellbeing in our rural communities and it is heartening that so many people and organisations are now doing so.

Looking forward, there is hope that our rural gatherings, such as the Highland Show, return. We look forward to seeing you all in a brighter new year, where we can all work to improve the wellbeing of our friends, families and communities.