Plans to boost support service
The launch of a West Lothian man’s Mental Health Group went so well he now plans to branch out with his own wellbeing centre.
David Philip launched his Men’s Mental Health Group in East Calder two weeks ago and after an overwhelming response he decided to do more.
He now hopes to have his own wellbeing service in operation by September.
Speaking to the Courier, he explained what has inspired him to set up the group.
He added: “We had 10 people on our first night and then another 15 came along to the second week.
“More had committed to attend but maybe they backed out at the last minute as keeping appointments can be a bit of an issue when you are anxious or depressed.
“The sessions have been amazing. We now have a psychologist as well as our therapist, so we now want to build on the momentum and create a wellbeing centre if we can get the funding.”
They hope to get funding from the £70,000 East Calder received as part of the Scottish government’s Town Centre Fund.
Local authorities like West Lothian Council were given the pot to encourage town centres to diversify and flourish.
David and his vice-chair, Chris Davidson, and treasurer, Morag Lyle, are now working on the application before the August 31 deadline and are looking at having their own premises opened by September.
David continued: “The hub would allow us to have a base and somewhere for folk to drop-in.
“When people are palmed off at the doctor with a prescription or are told the waiting lists to see a psychologist are six months then we want to be there for them whilst they are still in crisis.
“It would also allow us to branch into commercial opportunities to help fund what we are doing.
“We would like to engage and work with employers for instance.”
He explained the service can also help companies support their staff.
David said: “If someone is on a high salary and then has to take six months sickness because of their mental health, then the company is losing out on tens of thousands of pounds.
“We could train them to look for the triggers or signs in their staff and avoid this from happening in the first place.
“The hope would be our centre becomes a triage service and takes some of the strain off other services, like doctors.
“If we can just help save one life in all of this then I will be happy.
“We just want to create a sustainable resource for people with mental health problems in East Calder and beyond.”
David is also looking for male therapists to get involved as, whilst he is very grateful, it is women who have so far been offering their help.
Any funding bodies or businesses who would like to help should contact him on Facebook.
The East Calder Men’s Mental Health group runs every Wednesday from 7pm to 8.30pm at East Calder Partnership Centre, 143 Main Street, East Calder.
Anyone is welcome to attend the free sessions.
We now want to build on the momentum