That the Parliament welcomes the research from scientists at the universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, which suggests that taking part in the Scouts or Guides appears to help lower the risk of mental illness in later life; notes that scientists analysed data from the lifelong National Child Development Study of 10,000 people from across the UK born in 1958 and found that those who had been in the Scouts or Guides were around 15% less likely to suffer from anxiety or mood disorders at age 50; further notes that researchers have suggested that the development of skills through the Scouts or Guides, such as self-reliance and teamwork, and being active outdoors may have lifelong benefits and help build resilience against common stresses in life; is aware that the lead researcher, Professor Chris Dibben of the University of Edinburgh’s School of Geosciences, has suggested that, in light of the findings, a focus on voluntary youth programmes to help tackle mental health problems in society would be a sensible idea, and hopes that the research will encourage further debate around improving mental health, particularly in relation to social prescribing and the role of physical exercise, as the Scottish Government prepares its new mental health strategy.