World Mental Health Day 2026 – Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change

That the Parliament recognises World Mental Health Day, which takes place on 10 October 2026; notes that the theme for 2026 is Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change; believes that people with lived and living experience of mental illness and mental health challenges bring vital expertise alongside professional, clinical and academic expertise in shaping Scotland’s approach to mental health; considers that meaningful involvement extends beyond consultation and the sharing of personal experiences to include influencing decisions, co-designing services and participating in their delivery and evaluation; believes that timely, person-centred and community-based mental health support, accessible to people no matter where they live in Scotland, is essential to prevention and early intervention; values the contribution made by Change Mental Health and other third sector, community and peer-led organisations across Scotland in providing accessible support, reducing isolation, tackling stigma and helping people before they reach crisis; believes that strong community-based support can play an important role in improving people’s wellbeing and reducing pressure on acute and statutory services; further believes that the principle of “nothing about us without us” provides an important foundation for the development and delivery of mental health policy and services in Scotland; considers that meaningful representation of the voices and expertise of people with lived experience strengthens decisions about the future of mental health services at both national and local level; thanks people across Scotland who use their own experiences to advocate for change, challenge stigma and improve support for others, and commends mental health organisations, staff, volunteers, peer supporters and communities across Scotland for their work to ensure that nobody has to face mental illness alone.