Spotlight shines on Moray mental health support
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THE success of a new approach to developing mental health support in Moray has been celebrated on the national stage.
Making Recovery Real, which was piloted in Moray and Dundee, brings people who have experienced mental health challenges together with professionals to decide what would best support recovery.
At its heart is collaboration, story-sharing and peer support.
The approach was hailed during a national showcase event, run by the Scottish Recovery Network in Edinburgh.
There, a film created by people involved in Making Recovery Real in Moray was premiered and highlighted achievements influenced by the project.
That includes the co-designed strategy Good Mental Health for All in Moray 2016-2026 and the development of Moray Wellbeing Hub, a peer-led social enterprise which has lived experience at its heart.
It also celebrates the commissioning of the Penumbra Peer Support Services, a series of 13 recovery conversation events to reach those in more remote rural areas, and the establishment of a team of mental health link workers in GP practices across Moray.
Chris Ritchie, champion and director of Moray Wellbeing Hub, said: "The difference it has made in my life has been massive because I went from the state of being a zombie to somebody who can contribute to the community and make a real difference.
"People who make strategic decisions listen to us and value our opinions and that’s because, with the help of the Scottish Recovery Network, we talk the same language."
A series of free resources were also launched at the event. It is hoped learning from the project will be used by communities across Scotland looking for a new and different approach to developing and accessing mental health support.
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