Hospital team striding out for mental health awareness

A team from Queen Margaret Hospital’s plastic surgery department in Dunfermline will “Walk And Talk A Mile” tomorrow to raise awareness of the importance of positive mental health.

The event is being held to bring people together to speak about mental health and “walk a mile in each other’s shoes”.

Walks will take place at Silverburn Park in Leven’s Largo Road, or at the Playfield Institute at Cupar’s Stratheden Hospital.

There are no uniforms, no barriers and everyone is on a level playing field, with the aim being to break down stigma and see people for themselves.

Lynn Coyne, plastic surgery specialist nurse, said the team had been inspired to take part in the event after a colleague’s family had direct experience of what can happen when people don’t share mental health concerns.

“It was so important that our team take part in Fife Health and Social Care Partnership and the See Me campaign’s Walk A Mile event,” she said.

“Not only has it been a tough time for the family and others, the whole team was affected, but we pulled together and supported each other and continue to do so.

“That’s why it’s really important that we take part as a team, raise awareness, keep the conversation going and keep supporting each other throughout.”

This year’s event starts at 2pm and members of the public are welcome to take part.

They can register by signing up for a free ticket online via Eventbrite at bit.ly/2w7Kwn3. There is no need to print the ticket.

From left: Caroline Turnbull, Laura Reid, Pauline Macintosh, Lynn Coyne, Jo Koczubik, Deborah McCallum and Tanya Hardy.