Mental health support in Scotland: This charity needs your donations to change people’s futures
One in four people in Scotland are struggling with their mental health, but there is a charity working in the community to offer support and hope for the future.
Health in Mind was founded in Edinburgh in 1982 and has grown across Scotland to bring much-needed mental health support, helping to plug gaps which other services don’t fill.
With a base in Galashiels, Health in Mind offers person-led mental health and wellbeing support out in the community.
As well as free community drop-ins in towns around the Borders to help people find the support that’s right for them, Health in Mind provides one-on-one support, both from peer volunteers and from mental health specialists, to help people deal with their day-to-day challenges. Health in Mind also provides a range of groups and workshops where people can try out strategies for managing their mental health and wellbeing in a safe, supportive environment.
Who uses the services?
Last year the charity supported 4,290 people with their mental health and wellbeing, 154,163 users accessed its information websites, for information, signposting to services, and self-management guides, and they trained and developed 121 volunteers in roles including one-to-one peer support, leading support groups and activities, admin, events, and fundraising.
One peer volunteer- someone who has been through and understands mental health challenges, and is now helping support others - explained: “Sometimes when you’re dealing with something heavy, family and friends can walk on eggshells around you in an attempt to take care. When you know you’re on the same page as someone, and you have that kind of trust, it’s relaxing to be able to speak openly about the darker things. It's had a huge impact on my confidence and self-esteem, doing this.”
How do you donate and how much?
Donations come from many sources, one-off gifts, fundraising, collections, regular contributions and money in wills. You can find out more about giving by visiting the website here.
With rising need and costs, every penny counts, whether it’s for running community events, groups or one-to-one support. Here’s what your money could do:
- £15 could help someone build local support in their community
- £45 could shine the light of one-to-one support for someone for one session
- £100 could grow the skills of a peer volunteer, sharing hope for 3 months
Make a difference
Spring is just around the corner, but for many the darkness continues. 1 in 4 of us are struggling with our mental health – and you can help.
Health in Mind have been there for me when I was at my lowest - they're a trustworthy charity that I would recommend to anyone experiencing mental health difficulties. I find that they have empathy and really listen to you which makes all the difference to how you feel about yourself
Health in Mind said: “It takes trust, safety and compassion to come through dark times. Your donations help us reach people with personal, community-led mental health support, and nurture hope for a brighter future.”
The charity has a long history of offering specialist trauma support for underserved communities, including men that are survivors of sexual and domestic violence, particularly those from black and ethnic minority backgrounds. Their experience and skills were part of the Scottish Government’s work to develop its 2021 framework for trauma-informed practise, and they also work to deliver specialist support through innovative partnerships and peer support to those affected by past trauma in the Scottish care system.
Donate today
Whether you want to give a one-off donation, set up a direct debit, leave money in a will or fundraise you’ll find lots of information on how to support, and how to access the services, on the website.