7 October 2021

World Mental Health Day, on the 10th October, comes at a time when Scotland continues to face challenges from the pandemic. This year’s theme for World Mental Health Day: ‘Mental Health in an Unequal World’ highlights the effects Covid-19 and inequality can have on people’s mental health in many different ways. 

To mark the occasion, we are delighted to promote a number of Borders wellbeing events happening this month:

  • The Wellbeing College has new courses such as ‘What is mental health recovery?’ online via Zoom on Tuesday 12 October and in-person courses such as a 5 week ‘Music for Wellbeing’ course starting on Friday 8 October. We have also worked with The Wellbeing College to develop a series of bitesize recorded videos covering topics such as Breathing, Sleep, Food and Mood and Coping Skills.
  • §  Live Borders’ ‘Create @ Tower Mill’ (Heart of Hawick) events programme includes free stand-up comedy workshops with comedian Susan Morrison called ‘How to get laughs from life’ as well as storytelling workshops.
  • §  See Me Scotland is hosting the ‘Your Six Little Words of Hope’storytelling event on the evening of 26October as part of a campaign exploring ideas of hopefulness. Participants will be guided through the process of writing their own six word story. All you need is a pen and paper and your imagination to join in with this fun and accessible workshop which helps to tackle mental health stigma.

In addition to these specific events, several Borders organisations, groups and communities have been doing more to increase the mental health support available for people who may be experiencing difficulties:

  • Andy’s Man Club, a new Men’s Mental Health Support Group, meets at the Rugby Club in Galashiels every Monday at 7pm (excluding English Bank Holidays). This facilitated talking group is an opportunity for men to come together informally, talk about what is going on in their lives and get support from other men.
  • There are now two digital mental wellbeing support services for young people, their families and Borders residents in general. Kooth is an online counselling and emotional wellbeing support service for young people aged 11 – 18 and Togetherall is a supportive online community for all residents aged 16 and over. Trained professionals are available via Togetherall 24/7 and there is a choice of safe therapeutic services, including online self-help courses, which can be accessed while you remain on a waiting list for other services.
  • Our digital Wellbeing Point hub has lots of valuable resources, information and local contacts which can help you to maintain or improve your mental health. The NHS Borders Wellbeing Service also offers one-to-one support to improve wellbeing, you can make an appointment by emailing wellbeing@borders.scot.nhs.uk or calling 01896 824 502.

Pippa Walls, Health Improvement Lead for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention at NHS Borders, said: “World Mental Health Day, this Sunday is an opportunity to put the importance of mental health in the spotlight. It’s also a chance to promote the services and resources that we have in the Borders for supporting mental health and wellbeing.

“It’s important to know what help is out there, particularly as we’re still feeling the impact of Covid-19. We know that lots of people have been affected financially during the pandemic which can have a knock-on effect on mental health. This week is also Challenge Poverty Week (4-10 October) so it’s the perfect time to remind people about the NHS Borders ‘Money Worries’ App which is a digital directory of local and national support services that you can download on the Apple App store or Google Playstore. The app also has advice on energy saving, debt and health problems or disabilities at work as well as more urgent help with emotional distress and social care services.

“It’s crucial that we all look after our mental health and take notice of how we are feeling. It’s okay not to be okay and talking can help people to cope and  get help. Being open and honest can break down barriers and reduce the stigma that can sometimes stop people from seeking help.”

If you are having a difficult time then support is available through Breathing Space, the national NHS 24 emotional support helpline and the Samaritans.

Useful Links:

For emotional support in and out of normal working hours you can contact:

Samaritans (24 hours) Tel: 116 123 - Email: jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org

Breathing Space (NHS 24) Tel: 0800 83 85 87 (Mon - Thurs: 6pm - 2am, Fri 6pm - Mon 6am

www.breathingspace.scot)

Borderline 0800 027 4466 (Freephone helpline for adults in the Scottish Borders who are experiencing emotional distress. 7pm - 10pm every day)

 SHOUT 24 hour crisis textline 85258 - www.giveusashout.org

  • For information on what do if you are worried someone is feeling suicidal, and to download the ‘Be suicide ALERT’ leaflet, which contains information on starting a conversation about suicide.