This detailed qualitative needs assessment and situational survey was carried out over a period of 18 months from late 2022. It was conceived and initiated by the informal discussion group whose members all became founding trustees of Islay Connections when we registered as an SCIO in July 2023. We remain grateful to the chairperson and trustees of Islay Link Club, a long established mental health charity, who offered this project an “official” home and administrated a contract for the researcher and author, Jean MacLellan, a senior and experienced social scientist. 

The project was supported by a grant of £21,000 from The Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund, Argyll and Bute Council.

The assessment identifies specific areas of health and wellbeing need on Islay and describes 12 priorities for intervention.

The assessment is formally published by Islay Link Club and is available on their website