Mind Your Head is putting community donations and fund raising efforts to good use in the form of a Mind Your Head Self Help Practitioner.

The new post, which is funded by Mind Your Head and NHS Education Scotland and supported by NHS Shetland, will play a part in reducing waiting lists for primary care counselling where by individual can be supported to undertake self help programmes.

The post will also deliver training to other primary care professionals and make available a library of self-help materials. Funding for this 2 year fixed term contract would not have been possible without NHS Education Scotland and the support of NHS Shetland for which Mind Your Head would like to sincerely thank. Chairperson Shona Manson said “It has been a vision of Mind Your Head since its formation back in 2004, to provide hands on help and support to those suffering from mild to moderate depression in the community”.

Mind Your Head is also supporting the Anderson High School Health Week, the focus of which is mental health. Part of the week long events include a mini fun run for those pupils who are joining from Primary 7, and also Secondary 1 and 2 pupils. Race numbers and water bottles are being provided by the charity to support the event and to encourage pupils to think about positive mental health through leisure and fitness. Ms Manson said it was another great initiative that MYH is proud to be part of.

The charity is also busy working on a Young Person’s Awareness Card which will be given to all 12-18 year olds in Shetland. The card was initially developed with help from young people from the Bridges project and it’s aim is to provide young people with more knowledge on promoting their own and others positive mental health and wellbeing along with relevant telephone numbers and useful websites.

Ms Manson added “The MYH committee is going from strength to strength with two new members being elected at the last AGM; a representative from the Shetland Recreational Trust and a Pupil Support Teacher, which is a great addition to the committee”.

If you are attending the Voe or Cunningsburgh Shows this year, look out for the treasure hunt that is being organised by MYH and the NHS Health Improvement Department promoting good mental health. It’s open to adults and children and there are £100’s worth of Tesco vouchers to be won.

The annual Round Spiggie Fun Run and Walk takes place on Sunday 9 August and for those who have not yet registered can do so at the Fun Run 2009 page. This year participants will not only receive their annual t-shirt but will also receive a Shetland Recreational Trust swimming or fitness voucher. Ms Manson said “This is another excellent example of partnership working which the Shetland community is benefiting from”. There will also be Sunday teas and children’s activities on the day. An impressive 420 folk participated in last year’s event, and it is hoped this year’s event which is sponsored by the Sumburgh Hotel, will be as successful. For more information visit the Fun Run 2009 page.