Callander fun day to launch health campaign
An event in Callander marked the start of Mental Health Week.
Councillor Evelyn Tweed was involved in a fun day with Mhari Riddell and Action in Mind.
Councillor Tweed said:“Mhari was keen to organise an information day in Ancaster Square to highlight mental health issues and to raise money for the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH).”
Mhari said:“We have raised over £1000. The public were fantastic. The sun was shining, people came to chat and have fun. I was keen to involve Action in Mind due to the great work they do locally.”
Angie MacKenzie of Action in Mind said:“We are striving to reduce stigma and to help people in their recovery. My role is to provide this support rurally as many people I support have no transport and no internet so are really disadvantaged, being so far away from services which are centralised.”
Mhari thanked everyone who donated prizes or helped with the event.
She is holding a party night in Callander on Friday, May 25, with Jack Eye Jones. Tickets will be £5 and can be bought via Facebook from Mhari or her daughter.
Councillor Jeremy McDonald visited Action in Mind to discuss its Youth Aloud counselling project at Balfron and McLaren High Schools.
He said:“Stress is something our young people can often suffer from and not just during the examination period.”
Helena Scott from the project also discussed the young person befriending service, aimed at those who are at increased risk of self-harm or experiencing emotional distress.
Councillor McDonald said:“The pressure on schools to support pupils has been increasing and supportive interventions do make a difference, not just to helping to improve educational attainment but to overall mental well-being.
“I would welcome projects such as this being expanded to all our schools, including primary, and being placed on a secure financial footing.”
Helena Scott said:“If we invest now in children’s mental health and wellbeing we safeguard future generations from developing long-term chronic conditions and reduce health inequalities.”