7 October 2026

World Mental Health Day on Saturday 10 October celebrates the theme "Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change", highlighting the importance of listening to people whose experiences help shape services, support and communities.

In the Borders, this approach is at the heart of Borders Recovery And Wellbeing (BRAW), a collaborative network bringing together organisations, community groups and people with lived experience to improve access to mental health recovery and wellbeing opportunities across the region.

Developed through partnership working between NHS Borders, Borders Care Voice, Flourish: Mental Health Matters, Scottish Borders Council and community partners, BRAW helps people connect with activities, learning opportunities, community support and information through a more joined-up approach.

By helping people access support, information and opportunities within their own communities, BRAW also supports our Clinical Strategy ambition to help people stay well, support recovery closer to home and reduce the need for more intensive services wherever possible.

People with lived experience have played a central role in shaping the network, helping ensure it reflects the needs and priorities of local communities.

Steph MacKenzie, Health Improvement Specialist for Mental Health at NHS Borders, said: "World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to recognise that lived experience matters. The voices of people who have experienced mental health challenges help us better understand what supports recovery and wellbeing and where change is needed. Recovery looks different for everyone but having the right information, opportunities and support at the right time can make a real difference."

Lynsay Laird from Flourish: Mental Health Matters added: “People with lived experience have helped shape BRAW from the beginning. By listening to people's experiences and recognising the strengths, knowledge and ideas they bring, we can create something that is meaningful and useful for our communities. BRAW is about hope, connection and helping people discover opportunities that support their own recovery and wellbeing."

To mark World Mental Health Day, people across the Borders are encouraged to explore the range of mental health recovery, wellbeing and support available locally. For a face-to-face conversation about what is available anyone can come along to one of the Mental Health Information Stations at the What Matters Hubs. Run by Peer Support Workers from Health in Mind, these monthly drop-in sessions offer a friendly chat, peer support and help to find local opportunities and services at the following times and locations:

  • Duns: Fare Share Café, 15 Murray Street, second Tuesday of the month, 12noon-2pm
  • Peebles: Costa Coffee, High Street, second Wednesday of the month, 10am–12.30pm
  • Hawick: Heart of Hawick, Tower Mill, second Thursday of the month, 10am–12.30pm 
  • Kelso: Topiary Café, Mayfield Garden Centre, third Wednesday of the month, 10am–12.30pm
  • Galashiels: Asda Café, Currie Road, fourth Wednesday of the month, 10am–12.30pm

Find out more about BRAW, the Creating Hope programme and wellbeing resources on our website: nhsborders.scot.nhs.uk/braw