Our strategic focus for the next 12 months
At a recent strategy day, MYH board members gathered at Market House with CEO Anouska Civico and Service Manager Gill Gover, to reaffirm their commitment to improving mental health and wellbeing across Shetland.
Following a day of collaboration, reflection, and forward-thinking discussion, the board identified key objectives that will shape the charity’s focus in the months and years ahead. These strategic priorities are designed to build on the charity’s strong foundations while addressing evolving mental health needs within the Shetland community.
Key Objectives Going Forward:
1. Improving Awareness of Mental Health and Wellbeing A renewed focus will be placed on suicide prevention, with a dedicated role being explored to progress this vital area. Through targeted campaigns and support services, Mind Your Head aims to increase understanding and awareness across all age groups.
2. Facilitating Support for Individuals with Mental Ill Health Access to accredited training—including ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) and Mental Health First Aid—will be expanded. Additionally, the successful Wellbeing 1000 initiative will be introduced to more areas across Shetland to reach wider communities.
3. Reducing the Stigma Around Mental Health The charity will work closely with local schools to engage young people in conversations around mental health, encouraging openness and reducing stigma from an early age.
4. Supporting Carers and Embracing Neurodiversity Recognising the essential role of carers, particularly those supporting individuals with neurodiverse conditions, Mind Your Head will raise awareness of the help available and seek to better support these often-overlooked individuals.
5. Monitoring and Evaluation The charity is committed to continuous improvement. A review of its evaluation processes and success criteria is underway to ensure its efforts are impactful and measurable.
Mind Your Head Chairperson Susan Menary said, “This Strategy Day was a valuable opportunity for us to reflect on the needs of our community and the role we play in addressing them. The board left with a shared sense of purpose and a clearer roadmap for action. We’re excited to continue working alongside our partners and the community to promote positive mental health across Shetland.”
