Highland

Change Mental Health is active all across Highland, working closely with communities to overcome barriers and shape support around people’s needs.

We reach people affected by mental illness in the remotest parts of the region to ensure no one is left behind. We are working in and part of these communities, enabling you to integrate into these when you are ready to move onto the next step of your journey.

Our support in Highland is resourceful and welcoming. We are driven by lived experience and have a commitment to person-centred approaches and meaningful participation.

How do we support people in Highland?

• Run resource centres in Invergordon, Golspie and Fort William to provide a safe and non-judgemental space where people can build skills, improve their confidence and socialise to help their mental health and wellbeing
• Support people in hard-to-reach areas across Highland through outreach support that helps them self-manage their situation to a point where they’re most comfortable
• Develop strategies for carers by offering one-to-one emotional support and access to peer support through Carer Support
• Work with 29 GPs across Highland to improve the mental health of people experiencing stressors in their lives by using social prescribing to refer people to relevant support in their area through the Community Link Worker service
• Support anyone bereaved by suicide in Highland and Argyll & Bute through the Suicide Bereavement Support service
• Offer brief intervention for people experiencing mental distress through the Distress Brief Intervention programme
• Raise awareness of mental health in rural areas by fighting stigma and ensuring that nobody is left behind.

Our resource centres

Aimed at building self-confidence and recovery, our resource centres ensure people have access to the support they need, when they need it and in a way which works best for them. Our support in resource centre is totally flexible to your needs. It helps you develop a positive structure in your life, with a space to develop skills and increase confidence.

Our groups include:

• Structured groups: to increase knowledge and learning about practical tools for personal development and everyday life
• Open groups: laidback activities such as music, arts and crafts or creative writing
• Community engagement groups: interaction in the community with organised visits to local places of interest.

We are person-centred

We also work in and build partnerships with others, referring you to the most appropriate organisation best placed to help you with specific issues. Change Mental Health work with you to help achieve your realistic desired goals and with other organisations to ensure that the support you receive is relevant to the support you need.

It’s our goal to make sure you are not facing life’s difficulties alone, especially when poor mental health and mental illness can make it a much bigger task.