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Minister for Mental Health Clare Haughey stopped off in Elgin last Friday to learn about the pioneering work of the Moray Mental Health and Wellness Centre.
The centre, on Elgin's Batchen Street, is a welcoming beacon of light and hope for people aged over 18 who may have found themselves in a dark place. The walk-in service aims for a quick response to guide and support those in crisis.
It provides mental health workshops, one-to-one support and a dedicated "1st Response" freephone number for people in distress.
The minister also visited Speyside High School alongside Moray MSP Richard Lochhead to hear about their success in the Listen Well Challenge and how listening has a positive impact on mental resilience among young people. The Scottish Government’s Mental Health Strategy has identified that positive early intervention is a priority. The drive encourages a greater listening culture within families, schools, workplaces and communities.
The Mental Health and Wellness Centre launched in April 2017 with the aim of achieving the best possible mental health and wellbeing for the people of Moray, offering a range of recovery-focused services. It is run by Penumbra, one of Scotland’s largest mental health charities. There are six Penumbra link workers attached to GP practices across Moray. GPs can signpost people to the service.
Pamela Cremin, integrated service manager for NHS Grampian mental health services, said the Batchen Street walk-in point was a pioneering approach and an important aspect of its strategy for people to be able to access help quickly. She said the centre offered people the chance to "ask once and get the right help fast" and its town-centre location and open doors policy was helping to reduce the stigma around mental health issues.
The team is looking to connect further to rural areas through workshops outwith Elgin. Service manager Jennifer Maclean said: "We always aim to be responsive. It's a constantly evolving service based on the needs of the people of Moray."
A team of recovery practitioners, recovery workers and peer workers provide the services from the Wellness Centre. Peer workers are people who have lived experience of mental health problems and recovery. Ms Maclean said: "We really encourage the peer element as it inspires hope and breaks down barriers. The workers are able to talk of their own challenges and mental health and issues that they have faced."
Recovery practitioner peer Karen Dinnett said: "Peer experience can't be bought. It allows people to talk to someone on their level, helps people to open up and encourages them to see a light at the end of the tunnel."
The centre aims to empower and support people to manage their own wellbeing. It offers workshops which focus on themes such as self-esteem, expressing emotions, hope for the future and coping with self-harm. Staff facilitate the workshops and equip participants with strategies and tips.
Ms Haughey said: “This has been an excellent opportunity to witness the great work done by the Moray Mental Health and Wellness Centre to provide support and advice about mental health to the local area. It’s clear the team are making a real difference to people’s lives in Moray.
“Looking after our mental health and wellbeing - and that of friends, family and colleagues - is crucial and centres like this one are equipping people with the right advice and knowledge to do so.
“We are absolutely committed to bringing change to people’s lives and ensuring that mental health is given parity with physical health. That’s why we have announced an additional £250 million of investment in mental health over the next five years to ensure people get the right care at the right time in the right place.”
A review by the charity of those accessing the service recently uncovered gender disparity - with more than 60% of people it supports being female. To encourage more men to access the Wellness Centre, the charity has launched #MENtionIt Moray - a campaign and programme of activities "by men - for men". The drive aims to "get men talking", to share ideas on how to reach more men. The next males' meet-up will be held on Tuesday, May 7, at Buckie High School. Phone 01343 556191 for more information.
The centre's 1st Response service offers short-term support when someone is at crisis point. No application is needed and there is no waiting list. The service can be accessed via a walk-in, email or dedicated Freephone helpline on 0800 234 3490.
Mr Lochhead said after the minister's visit: “It was great to welcome the mental health minister to Speyside High School to hear about their success in the Listen Well Challenge and to meet with Listen Well Scotland. It’s clear that the students benefited massively from taking part in the project and the benefits of developing listening skills in helping to prevent mental health problems.
“Whilst here, she also visited the Moray Wellbeing Hub to meet with folks who have been benefited from the peer support services. The social enterprise has expanded greatly over the last few years and it was good to hear directly from their champions.
“We had a useful discussions around the unique rural challenges in communities like Moray and how organisations like the Moray Wellbeing Hub can make mental health support and training more accessible.”
