Caithness Cares Community Event

Listen to learn more about current and upcoming initiatives to tackle poor mental health and improve well-being.

At the online event on 30th June 2022, we heard from Chris at Caithness Mental Health Support Group. He talked about the Haven and Stepping Stones as places people can go and know they belong. They have a range of activities for guests: art areas, a pottery shed, general living room areas, board and video games, crafts and opportunities to learn how to play instruments, they work very hard to create a sense of family. Where needed, people are supported by staff and fellow service users.

Claire from Community Led Support, a partnership between NHS and Highland Council. She explained it as a 5 year programme to roll out community pop-up’s with an emphasis on putting communities first. They are keen to work with communities, cutting back on bureaucracy and developing more of an asset-based approach. They are planning pop-ups in remote and rural areas as well as the towns.

Anne from Support in Mind introduced the ‘Distress Brief Intervention‘ scheme. They also have a Highland wide – ‘Bereaved by Suicide’ project and the ‘Community Link workers‘ attached to GP surgeries in Caithness.

Andrea from Highland Council introduced us to the new employability initiatives commencing with a focus on closing the gaps in preparing young people and developing skills for work.

Eve from Planet Youth delivered a presentation explaining the ‘Icelandic Model‘ Pilot already underway towards prevention and early intervention in delaying, or avoiding alcohol and drug use.

Annabel from Centred outlined the plans for a Recovery College, she explained the importance of peer to peer support and explained how people can get involved – perhaps by joining the steering group that meets monthly online.

Last but not least, Ranald, representing the Recovery Community spoke candidly about the range of support, around the clock available for those embarking on or well on their way in their recovery journey.

We appreciate their time and commitment to the Caithness Cares Strategy Group and also for their presentations at the community event.