Scotland’s national mental health charity joins the Games as an Official Supporter and will also play the role of Official Mental Health Supporter for Team Scotland when the Games return to the city this summer.

The Charter, which is delivered by SAMH, provides a framework for sport clubs, events and organisations to build good mental health into their work.

SAMH’s work on Glasgow 2026 will see the charity’s Physical Activity and Sport team provide mental health training and support to Games staff and volunteers. SAMH will also offer wellbeing support directly to athletes and coaches in their hotels through the Wee Nook, the mobile version of SAMH’s drop-in mental health hub, The Nook. The Wee Nook will pop up at Team Scotland House, extending support to athletes’ friends and families.

SAMH joins as an Official Supporter for Glasgow 2026 and as Official Mental Health Supporter for Team Scotland

Photography Glasgow 2026 / Wattie Cheung

Gayle Shepherd, Director of Executive Office and Social Impact at Glasgow 2026 said: “Great sporting moments are powered by extraordinary people and from the outset of Glasgow 2026 we've been united with SAMH in recognising that looking after those people is fundamental to the success of the Games. This partnership has been built from the very first stages of our planning, embedding mental health and wellbeing into the way we design, deliver and experience Glasgow 2026.

“SAMH's Nook is a powerful example of the shared values at the heart of this partnership. It showcases the warmth, welcome and generosity that define communities across our eight-mile corridor, creating a space where everyone, from volunteers and staff to athletes and visitors, can feel supported, connected and valued.”

As Official Mental Health Supporter for Team Scotland, SAMH will support the mental health of Scotland’s athletes, coaches and supporters at Games-time and beyond, in conjunction with Team Scotland’s existing medical and wellbeing teams.

Colin Millar, Head of Marketing and Commercial Partnerships for Team Scotland, said: “We are delighted that the Wee Nook will be coming to Team Scotland House to offer support to our athletes’ friends and family. As a Team we are committed to supporting the wellbeing of our athletes, coaches and support staff so this is a great added offering as part of our overall programme.”

Hope Gordon, Team Scotland Para Powerlifter, said: “Sport is so important for good mental health, whether you’re competing for your country or doing it as a hobby in your spare time. Athletes aren’t the only ones to come under pressure at major events like this, so it’s great to have support available for everyone involved in delivering a successful Games.”

The partnership will promote the importance of physical activity to good mental health, as well as the impact good mental health can have on sporting performance. SAMH has provided dedicated physical activity and sport programmes focused on supporting mental health and wellbeing for almost 20 years.

Billy Watson, Chief Executive of SAMH, said: “Physical activity and sport can have such a positive impact on our mental health, and we’ve recognised that at SAMH for many years. The Commonwealth Games is one of the world’s biggest sporting events, in one of the world’s great sporting cities, so it's a fantastic platform to promote that message.

“It’s also a great opportunity to show that major events can really take mental health seriously and have a hugely beneficial impact on participants’ wellbeing in what can sometimes be a high-pressure situation. We’re so excited to be part of delivering the first mentally healthy Commonwealth Games.”

To find out more about Glasgow 2026 and buy tickets, visit glasgow2026.com/tickets