A new initiative aimed at building stronger, more collaborative support for mental health across the region has held its launch meeting.
Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway played host to the inaugural Mental Health Forum with 40 people attending to represent 27 organisations.
The forum in Dumfries featured thought-provoking contributions from national and regional speakers, including Jim Hume, Chair of the National Rural Mental Health Forum and The ALLIANCE Scotland, who highlighted the power of working together.
Drawing on his experience with Change Mental Health, Jim shared how consultation, campaign and forum work has driven meaningful change and stronger outcomes across rural Scotland.
Lynsey Laird, Mental Health Development Officer at Borders Care Voice, shared insights from the evolution of the Borders Mental Health Forum, offering practical lessons and inspiration for shaping Dumfries and Galloway’s own approach.
The forum brought together a diverse cross-sector group, with attendees from third sector organisations, the NHS, and individuals with lived experience. The mix of voices and perspectives aimed to create a meaningful foundation for the open, collaborative space the forum hopes to nurture moving forward.
The afternoon reflected on the commitment to co-production and collective learning and attendees also heard practical ways to embed lived experience, reshape engagement formats, and strengthen the feedback loop.
The ask going forward is to widen the circle, strengthen local connections, and ensure that those with lived and professional experience feel both invited and valued in shaping the future of mental health support.
Niomi Hamilton, Lead for Community Health and Wellbeing at Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway said “There’s a clear appetite for working better together, and this forum will help us make that happen—grounded in dedication, commitment, the strength in working together and passion for delivering positive mental health support across the region regardless of who needs it and how it is delivered.
“The room was full of energy, insight, and a shared sense of purpose and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. People valued the chance to connect, to have real conversations, and to begin building something new together. We don’t need to reinvent the wheel—just roll it together.”
Feedback will now help shape how the forum develops, how often it meets, who is involved, and the future focus.
A short survey to co-design the forum is now online at https://tsdg.tfaforms.net/168.
A detailed note from the forum is available here: https://www.tsdg.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/250527-Mental-Health-Forum-Event-Note.pdf