Shetland Residents Invited to Shape Health and Wellbeing Priorities

Anonymous survey seeks input from all age groups to inform future community initiatives and improve island-wide health.

Generic image of people engaging in outdoor activities in a Scottish landscape.
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Generic image of people engaging in outdoor activities in a Scottish landscape.

Residents across Shetland are being urged to complete an anonymous lifestyle survey to help shape future health and wellbeing priorities for the islands.

The survey is being conducted by the Active Shetland working group, a collaboration involving Shetland Islands Council, Shetland Recreational Trust, NHS Shetland, Ability Shetland, Cycling UK, ZetTrans, and sportscotland. This initiative aims to gather crucial data on physical activity levels, participation barriers, and attitudes towards being active.
Following a similar survey in 2021, the findings informed various community projects over the past five years, successfully increasing opportunities for physical activity and supporting the Active Shetland Strategy. The new survey will assess progress, identify current challenges, and ensure future actions align with the needs of local communities.
Two anonymous surveys are available: one for adults (18+) and another for children and young people. Both are designed to be quick and easy to complete.
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"Since our last survey, we've seen some fantastic examples of community-led projects and partnership working helping people to be more active across Shetland. To make sure we're focusing our efforts where they can have the greatest impact, it's important that we hear directly from local people about their experiences, views and activity levels. Whether you're very active, occasionally active or not active at all, we'd encourage everyone to take part. Every response will help us better understand what helps people be active and what barriers still exist."

Louise Jamieson · Active Schools Manager at SIC Sport & Leisure service
The surveys are open until mid-November. Adults who complete the survey can enter a prize draw for a chance to win a NorthLink Ferries return trip for two, including a cabin. Participants can access the surveys online at www.shetland.gov.uk/sport-leisure/active-shetland. Paper copies are also available by contacting the Sport & Leisure Service on 01595 744006 or via email at sportandleisure@shetland.gov.uk.
Based on information from the official source: Shetland Islands Council (19/10/2026)