Latest information on cases including British nationals
Statement from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO):
The UK government continues to work with international authorities in preparing for the arrival of British nationals to the UK from the MV Hondius cruise ship where an outbreak of Hantavirus was confirmed by the World Health Organization.
Two British nationals have confirmed hantavirus, with an additional suspected case of a British national on Tristan da Cunha. None of the British citizens onboard are currently reporting symptoms but they are being closely monitored.
The ship is expected to dock in Tenerife on Sunday, according to the latest updates from the Spanish Health Ministry. UK government staff will be on the ground ready to support the British nationals disembarking. British Passengers and ship crew not displaying any symptoms of hantavirus will be escorted by UK Government staff to an airport and given free passage back to the UK.
FCDO and UKHSA teams will be on the ground to support these arrangements, bolstered by a Rapid Deployment Team sent from the UK. The FCDO is chartering a dedicated repatriation flight for British ship passengers and crew only. This flight will be free of charge.
UKHSA is working with partners to ensure the flight operates under strict infection control measures. Public health and infectious disease specialists from UKHSA and the NHS will be on board to monitor British Nationals whilst on the flight, to ensure that preventative measures are in place and to provide any care in the unlikely event that any passengers become unwell on the flight.
All British passengers and crew on board the MV Hondius will be asked to isolate for 45 days upon returning to the UK and UKHSA will closely monitor these individuals, with testing as required.
Follow up is already underway for individuals who may have been in contact with cases and have since returned to the UK or are in in UK Overseas Territories. The UK government will ensure those self-isolating are given appropriate support.
UKHSA is aware of seven British Nationals who disembarked the ship at St Helena on 24 April.
Two of those people have returned to the UK independently and are isolating at home in the UK. Neither of these individuals is currently reporting symptoms. They are receiving advice and support from UKHSA and have been advised to self-isolate.
Four of these individuals remain in St Helena. A seventh individual has been traced outside of the UK.
The FCDO is in direct contact with the ship and British nationals on board and has stood up consular teams across multiple countries to support British nationals.
UK government is working very closely with international partners in response to this incident, including the cruise ship operator and the governments of UK overseas territories which were visited by the ship.
UK government teams are working at pace to get medical support to all affected Overseas Territories. The Ministry of Defence has worked with UKHSA to provide vital diagnostic supplies, including PCR tests, which were delivered to Ascension Island via a military plane on 7 May.
The risk to the general public remains very low.
Professor Robin May, Chief Scientific Officer at UKHSA, said: “This is an evolving situation, and we are working closely with partners to support British Nationals on board the MV Hondius.
“The risk to the general population remains very low and the public can be reassured that established infection control measures will be put in place at every step of the journey to ensure the safe repatriation of British passengers on board.”
Further information on the repatriation of British nationals will be provided in due course.
PUBLIC Health Scotland has published the latest Rapid Action Drug Alerts and Response (RADAR) report, which presents changes on drug trends, harms and use of services in Scotland to inform immediate and short-term actions that reduce drug harms.
Public health charities, trade union representatives and people whose health or business improved following the ban of smoking in indoor public spaces are celebrating the 20th anniversary of Scotland’s UK-leading smoke-free legislation coming into force on 26 March.
Longer term benefits of the ban included a 17% reduction in adult heart attack admissions to Scottish hospitals, reversing a previous rising trend, and an 18% decline in child asthma admissions. Second-hand smoke exposure among bar workers also reduced by 86%.
Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland, said: “Scotland’s UK-leading smoke-free public spaces legislation was a major public health success in encouraging many people to give up smoking and driving down the dangerous exposure of toxic second-hand smoke for staff and customers, including children, in indoor settings.
“We are delighted to celebrate what is considered one of the most important public health measures in the first quarter of the 21st century and a landmark achievement of the devolved Scottish Parliament.
“We hope its success encourages the next generation of MSPs to further extend smoke-free protections especially to areas most used by children such as in playgrounds, around schools and in sporting facilities.”
Roz Foyer, General Secretary of the Scottish Trade Unions Congress (STUC), said: “The indoor smoking ban has been an unparalleled success and it was entirely right – thanks to the campaigning of organisations and unions across the country – that the then Scottish Executive showed leadership in introducing UK-leading smoke-free legislation.
“Protecting workers in their workplace is a core principle of our movement. We’re proud to have helped deliver improved health outcomes and a safer working environment for bar workers and hospitality staff across Scotland and will continue to build on that work as this leading legislation marks its 20th anniversary”
Lilian Macer, UNISON Scottish secretary,said: “The smoking ban marked a fundamental shift in public health in Scotland. UNISON is Scotland’s biggest health union, and this decision had a significant impact on our health services and improved workplaces.
“It seemed like radical legislation at the time, but it quickly became the new normal and it would now be unthinkable to return to smoke filled rooms.
“I remember feeling pride as people in Scotland just got on with it. The lack of resistance was because civic Scotland built a consensus around the legislation.
“It was a catalyst for a big reduction in smoking, particularly amongst young people and we’ll reap the benefits for generations to come – particularly in the NHS. Of course we’ve much more to do, but it’s important to mark the significant progress we’ve made.”
Gareth Brown, Policy and Public Affairs Officer for Asthma + Lung UK Scotland, said: “As we welcome the 20-year anniversary of the smoking ban in Scotland, we can reflect that something that seemed controversial at the time is now commonplace across much of Europe and indeed the world with widespread and popular support.
“The ban ensured that smoking inside public places has thankfully ceased, with the link between socialising and smoking broken. Since then, generations of young people have never started smoking and have largely avoided the harms caused by passive tobacco smoke.
“This has helped to bring down smoking rates, but there is much still to be done, particularly in more disadvantaged area. Scotland needed this ban to improve the nation’s lung health, and our fight continues to help everyone breathe better.”
Inquiry publishes third report and 10 recommendations, examining ‘The impact of Covid-19 on healthcare systems’
The Chair of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, Baroness Heather Hallett, has today published her third report which concludes that the UK’s healthcare systems “came close to collapse”. Ultimately it “coped, but only just”.
Module 3, the third of the Inquiry’s 10 investigations, has examined the impact of Covid-19 on healthcare systems across the four nations. It investigated how governments and society responded to the pandemic, the capacity of healthcare systems to adapt and the impact on patients, their loved ones and healthcare workers.
Today’s new report, ‘The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on healthcare systems of the United Kingdom’ (Module 3), finds that the UK entered the pandemic ill-prepared. Healthcare systems were already overstretched and in a precarious state. This fragility had profound consequences once the crisis hit, especially when the numbers of people seeking treatment for Covid-19 started to increase dramatically.
Healthcare systems were overwhelmed and came close to collapse. Despite the best efforts of healthcare workers, many Covid patients did not receive the care they would otherwise receive and non Covid patients had their diagnoses and treatment delayed. For some this meant their condition became inoperable. Healthcare workers put their lives at risk and the pandemic had a significant and long-lasting impact on their mental health and wellbeing.
In hospitals, visiting restrictions meant some vulnerable patients were left without vital support. Some people died alone. This continues to have a devastating impact on the bereaved.
Baroness Hallett calls for the prompt and thorough implementation of 10 key recommendations. These are necessary to prevent healthcare systems being overwhelmed in the next pandemic.
“This third UK Covid-19 Inquiry report concerns the impact of the pandemic on the UK’s healthcare systems. I can summarise that impact as: we coped, but only just.
“The healthcare systems came close to collapse. Healthcare workers carried the burden of caring for the sick in unprecedented numbers. It came at a huge cost to them, their families, their patients and the loved ones of patients. Collapse was only narrowly avoided thanks to the extraordinary efforts of all those working in healthcare across the UK.
“Despite those efforts, some patients did not get the level of care they would usually receive. The enormous strain placed upon the healthcare systems was unprecedented. Those working within it were obliged to work under intolerable pressure for months on end.
“We cannot know when, but there will be another pandemic. My recommendations, taken as a whole, should mean that the UK is better prepared for that pandemic. In doing so, we shall avoid some of the terrible human cost of Covid-19.
“I urge governments across the UK to work individually and collectively to implement these recommendations, in full and in a timely manner.”
A four-page brief summary of the report can be found on the Inquiry’s website and is available in a variety of languages and accessible formats.
In total, 95 witnesses gave oral evidence during Module 3 public hearings held in London in autumn 2024. The Inquiry heard from healthcare professionals, policy-makers, relevant experts, groups representing those most at risk from contracting Covid-19 and those who developed Long Covid as a result of catching the virus.
The Inquiry also heard from serving and former senior politicians, leading scientists, key medical professionals and civil servants.
Some of Baroness Hallett’s conclusions are as follows:
While health ministers maintained that the UK never reached a state of overwhelm, “there was clearly overwhelm”. Lower levels of care were provided to patients and patients did not always get the care they needed, notwithstanding the efforts of healthcare workers.
The pressure was, at times, intolerable and this continued for wave after wave of the virus. Healthcare systems entered the pandemic with low numbers of hospital beds, high bed occupancy, high numbers of staff vacancies and of sickness absences, meaning systems were in a precarious position from the outset.
Initial infection prevention and control guidance was flawed because it assumed that Covid-19 was spread by contact transmission and failed to consider the extent to which the virus was also spread by aerosol transmission.
Supplies of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) were particularly constrained at the start of the pandemic, causing healthcare workers sometimes to work in inadequate and unsuitable PPE and put themselves and their families at risk to care for patients.
111 services were not able to cope with the level of demand. Call demand for advice and information about Covid-19 increased dramatically, particularly in the early stages of the pandemic.
Waiting times for emergency ambulances grew. Waiting times for even the most life-threatening calls grew, with some ambulance services resorting to military aid to ensure there was not a significant risk to life.
Visiting restrictions meant that many patients died without the comfort of being surrounded by their loved ones, while vulnerable patients such as those with dementia or a learning disability and children in mental health inpatient units, as well as women accessing maternity services were left without vital support.
The public messaging “Stay Home, Protect the NHS, Save Lives” may have, inadvertently, sent the message that healthcare was closed, contributing to a decline in attendances even for life-threatening emergencies such as heart attacks.
The mental health of healthcare staff was severely impacted, with many exhibiting signs of post-traumatic stress disorder, while burn-out was common.
The Chair considers that all Module 3 recommendations should be implemented in full and in a timely manner.
The Inquiry will monitor the implementation of the recommendations during its lifetime. In summary, the Inquiry recommends:
increasing capacity in urgent and emergency care and ensuring that hospitals have the ability to implement surge capacity;
strengthening the body responsible for infection prevention and control guidance, broadening its membership to enhance its decision-making and improving the guidance itself;
improving data collection, enabling individuals at highest risk of harm from infection to be more easily identified and recording deaths of healthcare workers more accurately;
promoting a standardised process and documentation for advance care planning, recording patients’ preferences for future care and treatment;
increasing support for healthcare workers, improving retention and increasing resilience; and
publishing guidance to assist decision-makers, providing clear criteria for clinical decisions if critical care resources become completely exhausted.
A full list of the Inquiry’s recommendations can be found in thefull report.
The Inquiry has published recommendations for Module 1 and Module 2. Baroness Hallett welcomes the action taken by the four governments of the UK to date and trusts that all remaining recommendations will be implemented promptly and in full. Progress on the implementation of recommendations can be tracked on the Monitoring of Inquiry Recommendations page on the Inquiry’s website. The Inquiry expects to receive the next progress update in May 2026.
Module 3 was the first to publish a recordof the Inquiry’s listening exercise, Every Story Matters, which brought together the contributions of more than 32,000 people. The Healthcare Record sets out the personal impact of the pandemic in stark and often distressing terms.
The Inquiry’s next report – focusing on the development of Covid-19 vaccines and the implementation of the vaccine rollout programme (Module 4) will be published next month, 16th April 2026. A further four reports will follow covering Modules 5 to 9, with the final report, Module 10, scheduled to be published no later than Summer 2027.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is continuing to investigate an outbreak of meningococcal disease in Kent with 13 cases notified since 13 March. Sadly, this includes 2 people who are known to have died.
Investigations have confirmed some of the cases visited Club Chemistry in Canterbury between 5 to 7 March prior to becoming unwell. UKHSA’s health protection team is working closely with the nightclub and partners including the University of Kent to limit the spread.
UKHSA is now advising anyone who visited Club Chemistry on 5 March, 6 March or 7 March to come forward for preventative antibiotic treatment as a precautionary measure. This can be collected from the following sites:
Senate Building at University of Kent, CT2 7NZ – open until 8pm on Monday 16 March (queue closes 7.15pm) and from 9am to 8pm on Tuesday 17 March.
Gate Clinic, Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Ethelbert Road, Canterbury, CT1 3NG – open until 8pm on Monday 16 March and planned to open from 8.30am to 7.30pm on Tuesday 17 March.
Westgate Hall, Westgate Hall Road, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2BT. Planned to be open from 8.30am to 7.30pm on Tuesday 17 March.
Carey Building, Thanet Hub, Margate Northwood Rd, Westwood, Broadstairs, CT10 2WA. Planned to be open from 8.30am to 7.30 pm on Tuesday 17 March.
Advice has been issued to 16,000 staff and students at the University of Kent, where antibiotics are also being offered to those who need them.
Meningococcal disease can progress rapidly. Signs and symptoms of meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia can include a fever, headache, rapid breathing, drowsiness, shivering, vomiting, and cold hands and feet. Septicaemia can also cause a characteristic rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass.
Early symptoms can often be confused with other illnesses such as a cold, flu or hangover, and students are particularly at risk of missing the early warning signs. If you or anyone you know develops any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately by contacting a GP, calling NHS 111 or dialling 999 in an emergency. Knowing the signs and taking early treatment can be lifesaving.
Trish Mannes, UKHSA Regional Deputy Director for the South East, said: Our thoughts remain with the friends and family involved and we understand that many people in the university and wider community will be affected by this sad news.
“Our investigations have identified that some cases visited Club Chemistry in Canterbury and it is important that anyone who visited the club between 5 and 7 March now comes forward for preventative antibiotic treatment as a precaution, as well as those offered antibiotics at the university – these students are being contacted directly through the university.
“If you think you may have symptoms of meningitis, do not hesitate to seek medical help by contacting your GP or calling NHS 111.”
Meningococcal disease (meningitis and septicaemia) is an uncommon but serious disease caused by meningococcal bacteria. Very occasionally, the meningococcal bacteria can cause serious illness, (inflammation of the lining of the brain) and septicaemia (blood poisoning), which can rapidly lead to sepsis.
The onset of illness is often sudden and early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are vital.
Early symptoms, which may not always be present, include:
a rash that doesn’t fade when pressed with a glass
sudden onset of high fever
severe and worsening headache
stiff neck
vomiting and diarrhoea
joint and muscle pain
dislike of bright lights
very cold hands and feet
seizures
confusion/delirium
extreme sleepiness/difficulty waking
Young people going on to university or college for the first time are particularly at risk of meningitis because they newly mix with so many other students, some of whom are unknowingly carrying the bacteria at the back of their nose and throat.
There are numerous strains of the meningococcal infection. The MenACWY vaccination gives good protection against MenA, MenC, MenW, and MenY. It is routinely offered to teenagers in school Years 9 and 10. However, this vaccine does not protect against all forms of meningococcal infection.
Other strains such as MenB can circulate in young adults, which is why it’s important to know how to spot the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia as early detection and treatment can save lives.
We are deeply saddened to hear of the deaths following the reported outbreak of meningitis in Kent. Our heartfelt thoughts are with their families, friends and the surrounding communities at this incredibly difficult time.
We urge students, staff and families to remain vigilant for the signs and symptoms of meningitis, which can include a high fever, severe headache, vomiting, sensitivity to light, confusion, cold hands and feet, limb pain, and, in some cases, a rash that does not fade under pressure.
Symptoms can appear suddenly and be easily mistaken for flu, a heavy cold or even a hangover, so it is vital that anyone who is concerned seeks urgent medical help immediately.
At Meningitis Now, we are here for anyone who needs information, guidance or someone to talk to during what can be a frightening and uncertain time.
You can find more information from https://bit.ly/4rAHm1x or by calling our nurse-led Helpline on 0808 80 10 388, open Monday to Friday.
Dr Tom Nutt, Chief Executive of Meningitis Now says:“We are deeply saddened to hear of the deaths of two young people following the reported outbreak of meningitis linked to the University of Kent and schools local to Canterbury. Our heartfelt thoughts are with their families, friends and the entire community at this incredibly difficult time.
“Meningitis can progress very quickly and its impact is devastating, particularly for young people and their loved ones. University students and young adults are among the groups at increased risk because they are more likely to carry the bacteria that can cause meningitis, and because bacteria can spread more easily in settings where students and young people live, study and socialise closely together.
“We urge students, young people, staff and families to remain vigilant for the signs and symptoms of meningitis, which can include a high fever, severe headache, vomiting, sensitivity to light, confusion, cold hands and feet, limb pain, and, in some cases, a rash that does not fade under pressure.
“Symptoms can appear suddenly and can easily be mistaken for flu, a heavy cold or even the after-effects of a night out, so it is vital that anyone who is concerned seeks urgent medical help immediately.
We welcome the swift response from the UK Health Security Agency to identify close contacts and provide precautionary antibiotics where needed. Rapid public health action is crucial in helping to reduce the risk of further cases. We are offering our support and resources to the university, schools and wider community to help in any way we can.
“At Meningitis Now we are here to support anyone affected by meningitis, whether they are directly affected themselves, supporting a loved one, or dealing with the aftermath of the disease. Our support services are available to anyone who needs information, guidance or someone to talk to during what can be a frightening and uncertain time. You can find our more information from www.meningitisnow.org or by calling our nurse-led Helpline on 0808 80 10 388, open Monday to Friday.
“Meningitis can affect anyone, but it is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults. Vaccination is the only way of preventing certain types of meningitis, and many students will have had the MenACWY vaccination at school. However, it is important for teenagers and young adults to be aware that they are unlikely to have been vaccinated against one of the most common causes of meningitis in this age group, which is MenB. We encourage everyone to check that they and their families are up to date with the vaccines available to them and to be aware of the signs and symptoms too.
“This tragic situation is a stark reminder of why our “No Plan B for MenB” campaign is calling for greater protection against meningococcal group B, or MenB, disease. MenB is one of the most common causes of bacterial meningitis in the UK and can strike suddenly with life-changing consequences.
“Since 2015 only infants have been vaccinated against MenB and we believe all teenagers and young adults should be protected by this vaccine on the NHS. Currently the vaccine is only available privately through high-street and supermarket pharmacies.
“If anyone is worried about symptoms, trust your instincts and seek urgent medical help. Acting quickly can save lives.”
650,000 Scots are being urged to quit tobacco this No Smoking Day (Wednesday 11 March 2026)to boost their health, wellbeing and personal finances.
The call is coming from health charity ASH Scotland, Public Health Scotland and the Scottish Government as part of the 2026 national ‘Quit and Win’ No Smoking Day campaign.
The campaign is highlighting that an average smoker who gives up tobacco could save ?3,332 after a year, reduce feelings of anxiety, decrease the risk of coronary heart disease and, within 10 years, cut the risk of lung cancer by half.
Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland, said: “There is an average of 172 preventable smoking-attributable deaths in Scotland every week, with people in our poorest communities among those most affected.
“Free expert advice offered by NHS Scotland’s Quit Your Way services, however, can improves the chances of quit smoking success by three to four times. We encourage everyone who wants to live tobacco-free to mark No Smoking Day by reaching for Quit Your Way’s specialist support which is the best thing to do to improve health, wellbeing and personal finances.”
Jenni Minto MSP, Public Health Minister, said: “If you are a smoker, please let this No Smoking Day be the start of your journey to a tobacco-free future. I know that quitting is hard but, in Scotland, there is free support available through the NHS stop smoking service Quit Your Way.
“The website offers expert advice and you will be directed to local services where you can access a range of free support, medications and products.”
— Public Health Scotland (@P_H_S_Official) March 11, 2026
Dr Garth Reid, Consultant in Public Health at Public Health Scotland, said: “Smoking is one of the biggest causes of ill health and premature death in Scotland. Giving up smoking is the best thing you can do for your health, and the benefits start to happen quickly ?– even for people who have smoked for a long time.
“Whether you’re ready to stop, or just beginning to think about it, the NHS Scotland stop smoking service, Quit Your Way, and your local pharmacy are here to help you stop smoking and stay stopped in a way that is right for you.”
Anyone who has the goal of giving up smoking is advised to contact QuitYourWay.scot or call the free helpline on 0800 848484.
Six years on, communities across the country will come together to reflect on sacrifice and loss during the pandemic
Events, activities, and services are being held across the UK to commemorate the COVID-19 Day of Reflection
Ceremonies, concerts and walks are amongst events organised by communities across the UK to mark the sixth annual COVID-19 Day of Reflection.
On Sunday 8 March, the nation will reflect and come together to remember those that lost their lives and to honour the tireless work and acts of kindness shown by many during the pandemic.
The COVID-19 Day of Reflection offers a chance to pay tribute to the work of health and social care staff, frontline workers, researchers and all those who volunteered a helping hand during the pandemic. The events also recognise that many are still feeling the impacts of the pandemic, for instance those with Long Covid or those who are immunocompromised.
Events, gatherings and commemorations are taking place across the country, including:
A day of quiet reflection at the National Covid Memorial Wall in London. The Friends of the Wall are hosting a short ceremony, which will include the placing of a wreath and the observation of minute’s silence at midday.
Royal Voluntary Service is arranging Time to Reflect tables within its services, where anyone is welcome to drop by for shared moments of reflection and to write personal messages or thanks to volunteers.
Caerphilly County Borough Council will host a COVID‑19 Day of Reflection event at the Ynys Hywel Covid Memorial Woodland, with an informal guided walk, a minute’s silence, and tea and coffee afterwards at Ynys Hywel Farm.
Memory Stones of Love are hosting a remembrance event at Belfast City Hall. The event will feature live music, poetry, as well as reflective speeches.
The Care Workers’ Charity has created and maintained an online Thank You Wall, giving people the opportunity to write a tribute or thank you to anyone working across social care including those in frontline care roles, managerial roles, administrative roles, maintenance roles, and more.
The Covid 19 Families Scotland gathered at the Sails Sculpture in Glasgow Green at 11.30 for a minute’s silence at midday yesterday (Saturday 7 March).
The Caribbean & African Health Network (CAHN) is hosting a community-led event at the Manchester Monastery. It brings together Black community and faith leaders, healthcare professionals, Black-led organisations and local people through a memorial service, wellbeing and creative activities, storytelling, and reflection.
Culture Minister Baroness Twycross said: “Whenever I walk along the National Covid Memorial Wall, I’m struck by the 250,000 hand-painted hearts that stretch for half a kilometer. It is a powerful tribute to loved ones who will not be forgotten.
“The pandemic impacted everyone, up and down the country. It touched us all, and the impact of Covid remains.
“We now have the opportunity to come together as a nation to remember the quarter of a million lives lost. We also pay tribute to those on the front line during the pandemic, who made enormous sacrifices, day in, day out, to keep the British public safe – whether in health and social care, education, policing, transport or other front-line services.
“I encourage everyone to mark this day in a way that feels right for them, whether attending a community event or taking a quiet moment of reflection at home.”
Chair of the UK Commission on Covid Commemoration, Baroness Morgan said: For so many across the country, the COVID-19 pandemic left a legacy of grief and loss that is still carried today. Everyone lost something.
“This year’s COVID-19 Day of Reflection is an opportunity for us all to pause and remember the lives lost because of the pandemic, recognising the efforts and sacrifices of frontline workers, as well as the volunteering and community spirit we saw and the contribution of the scientific community.”
This follows the Government affirming its commitment to the COVID-19 Day of Reflection as part of a broader commemorative programme that was announced last year.
The programme also included commitments to preserve the National Covid Memorial Wall, create new commemorative green spaces for reflection with NHS Charities Together and Forestry England, and launch a new fellowship programme focusing on natural hazards and resilience as part of the UK Research and Innovation Policy Fellowship programme.
As part of this programme, Covid Commemoration webpages have also been established, which include a series of oral histories, education materials and details on memorials across the UK.
SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT TEAMS UP WITH BLACK SCOTTISH ADVENTURERS FOUNDER TO HIGHLIGHT MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF THE OUTDOORS
The Scottish Government has announced a new collaboration with Joshua Adeyemi, founder of Black Scottish Adventurers.
The partnership comes as part of the nationwide Mind to Mind campaign which aims to help normalise conversations about mental health and share practical strategies for coping with life’s pressures.
The campaign sees a striking new sign installed at Edinburgh’s Haymarket Station featuring Josh’s words: “Out here, you’re enough”, intended to share a note of support that reflects the spirit of the Black Scottish Adventurers community and to spark conversations about mental wellbeing.
Research from See Me, Scotland’s programme to end mental health stigma and discrimination, explains that more than a quarter of people in Scotland believe it’s easier to avoid discussing mental health than risk an awkward conversation. One in five say fear of judgment stops them from speaking openly.
The Mind to Mind platform offers free, accessible guidance covering topics such as anxiety, grief, stress, loneliness, and financial worries. Visitors can explore personal stories, expert insights, and links to further help – all designed to be used at a pace that suits them.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Josh said: “Finding a community of like-minded individuals where I can talk about life struggles and be my authentic self has been so important on my journey towards understanding how to look after my mental wellbeing.
“The message says exactly what I hope people feel: Whilst being outdoors can’t fix everything, spending time amongst friendly faces, surrounded by Scotland’s awe-inspiring scenery is powerful, and I’ve seen how it helps lift people’s spirits to keep moving forward.
“Working with Mind to Mind has been brilliant as they offer so many resources available to everyone to help navigate the tougher moments in life.”
Josh noted that placing the sign in Edinburgh holds deep personal meaning as this is where Black Scottish Adventurers originated and where he currently lives. He hopes it inspires people to see nature as restorative and stresses that enjoying the outdoors can be as simple as listening to the birds in the park. In collaboration with Mind to Mind, Josh encourages others to access the website to discover the mental health support available.
Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing, Tom Arthur MSP, said: “Mind to Mind is dedicated to ensuring that everyone in Scotland can access mental health strategies and support tailored to their needs.
“Josh’s commitment to inclusive outdoor experiences brings a fresh perspective to the campaign, helping to engage communities and encourage open conversations about mental health.
“Together with Mind to Mind, these efforts aim to empower individuals to take meaningful steps toward wellbeing.”
If you’re going through a difficult time, you are not alone.
‘Our plan is delivering’ – Health Secretary welcomes new figures
New figures show the number of operations carried out in the 12 months to January 2026 increased by 6.1% compared to the same period the year before.
New statistics from Public Health Scotland show a total of 276,118 operations were performed during the last 12 months, while 756 operations were carried out per day; an increase from 713 for year ending January 2025.
This comes on the back of new waiting times statistics which show waits of over a year have decreased for 8 consecutive months – with new outpatient waits of more than 52 weeks more than halving since July 2025 and waits of over a year reducing by almost 30% for inpatient/day-case procedures in the same period.
Labour is desperate to talk down Scotland’s NHS, but here are the facts.
Latest stats out today show we are delivering more operations, meeting our CAMHS target, and long waits are falling. Thanks to our incredible NHS staff and the Scottish Government’s investment👇 pic.twitter.com/KWQTCZL74l
Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “These new figures show that our plan is delivering for Scotland – I am pleased to see sustained and continued improvement in the number of operations carried out, despite on-going pressures and the adverse weather seen over Winter which has impacted activity.
“I thank all NHS staff for their continued hard work – they are driving this progress and these figures are further evidence that our NHS is turning a corner.
“We are seeing waits of over a year come down month after month and we are delivering thousands more operations, procedures and appointments compared to last year – we are determined to build on this momentum.”
Budget to provide a record £144m for optometry services
People with visual impairments will receive care closer to home through a new Community Low Vision Service (CLVS).
Development work has begun on the new national service which will allow patients with visual impairment, that cannot be managed through glasses, lenses or surgery, to be supported by community optometrists instead of in a hospital setting.
Optometrists will provide care to these vulnerable patients to help them maintain their independence – including low vision aids such as magnifiers and lights, regular specialist assessments and signposting of additional help including mental health support and social services. This service will build on the success of community eyecare services already in place, the Community Glaucoma Service (CGS) and Anterior Eye Service.
The CGS supports patients with lower risk glaucoma and ocular hypertension to be discharged from hospital and receive direct care from an accredited optometrist in the community. The Anterior Eye Service allows community optometrists to treat ten complex eye conditions which normally require a hospital visit.
When fully operational it is estimated these services combined will support 40,000 patients to be fully treated in the community.
The roll-out of the national CLVS will be supported by record investment of £144 million across all community eyecare in this year’s Draft Budget.
On a visit to Munro Optometrists in NHS Lanarkshire, Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “The introduction of our new low vision service is a significant step forward in our efforts to have more people treated in the community and close to home instead of a hospital setting.
“This new service will complement the programmes we already have in place – our Anterior Eye Service and Community Glaucoma Service – which together we anticipate will allow an estimated 40,000 patients to be treated closer to home.
“We know this delivers better outcomes and we want community optometrists to be the first port of call for all eye-related conditions – the national roll-out out of these services, backed by £144 million for the sector, will help free up substantial capacity in our hospitals.
“It has been nearly 20 years since free universal NHS-funded eye examinations were introduced in Scotland and we remain the only country in the UK to provide this vital service. We will maintain this crucial policy and I would remind people of the importance of having regular examinations which can help with early detection of a range of sight and non-sight threatening conditions.”
