9 October 2018

2018 is the Year of Young People, so it is only fitting that for World Mental Health Day on Wednesday 10th October the focus is ‘Young People and Mental Health in a Changing World’.

We want to bring attention to the issues our young people are facing in the Scottish Borders and begin the conversation around what they need in order to grow up healthy and resilient.

Everyone has mental health and we need to look after our minds as well as our bodies in order to be well and stay healthy. There are lots of ways to keep yourself well. Often small changes can make a big difference, such as making time to be with friends, doing things you enjoy, learning something new or trying a new activity.

Our digital Wellbeing Point hosts lots of valuable resources which can help you to look after your mental health and wellbeing. This is where you will useful guides such as our ‘Self Help Guide for Young People’ and ‘Six Ways to be Well in the Scottish Borders’, which have more ideas, information and local contacts.

To raise awareness of World Mental Health Day we also have events taking place during October. Please play #yourpart and support them:

  • ‘Write your way to Wellbeing’, Wednesday 10th October, 1pm – 2.30pm, Galashiels Library. This free creative writing session, run by poet and educator Helen Boden, is aimed at anyone who is looking for increased levels of wellbeing. No previous writing experience necessary. Places are limited, so please contact the library to book your place via 01896 664 170 or libgalashiels@liveborders1.org.uk
  • Galashiels Cafe Promotion - to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing we have teamed up with a number of cafes in Galashiels. On World Mental Health Day there will be leaflets and information on their tables along with a postcard which has a couple of thought provoking questions to answer. These are there to prompt conversation and one of our Local Area Co-ordinators for Mental Health will be about for a chat on the day.
  • Mental Health Wellbeing Stand, Saturday 13th October, 11am-3pm, Fire Station Open Day in Galashiels. Everyone can improve their mental health and wellbeing, pop along to chat with one of our staff and find out how you can improve yours. 
  • Curry and a Chaat about Mental Health Evening, Thursday 25th October, 6pm-8pm, CAFÉ U in Kelso. Enjoy a delicious meal and share the vision of a world with good mental health. Bookings can be made via the CAFÉ U Facebook page. Entry by donation.

“Of course mental health is important throughout the year, not just during awareness days or months. That’s why we have a robust programme of activities and campaigns which are being developed and delivered by NHS Borders, Scottish Borders Council and a range of other partners,” explained Allyson McCollam, Associate Director of Public Health for the Scottish Borders.

Allyson added, “Each of us has different backgrounds and experiences which affect both our risk of mental health problems and our ability to thrive. However, research has shown that we can all take action to protect ourselves, and others, so that we can live with good mental health.”