Lending a new voice of support
Mental health charity is finding new ways of connecting with people
A MOORLANDS based charity which provides mental health and well-being support is rising to the challenge of the coronavirus crisis by adapting its services, embracing new technology and finding new avenues to connect with its participants.
Based in Leek, Borderland Voices provides mental health and wellbeing support to more than 35 people in the Staffordshire Moorlands. The group runs arts, crafts and writing courses, all of which are continuing in adapted form.
Co-ordinator at Borderland Voices, Andy Collins, said: “It’s been challenging, particularly in terms of logistics. The biggest challenge has been to make sure that no-one falls through the cracks.”
The Borderlands writing group uses Zoom technology in its weekly meeting. Participants send in their writing in advance and then read and discuss over the Internet connection. For those without the internet, Andy Collins collates the writing and posts it out and said she was pleasantly surprised by the way in which participants have adapted to new technology. It is hoped these new skills will have their uses even when the current crisis passes.
Andy said: “Before lockdown, I got participants’ permission to share contact details within the group according to their preferences. People are now supporting one another via post, phone, email, Whatsapp and our Zoom meetings.
“At the last art group I sent people home with postcard-sized cards and envelopes, to create mini artwork at home and send to others; I also posted out ‘art-packs’ to those not present.”
Andy pointed out that many of the approaches that have helped people suffering from anxiety and depression in the past, such as the need to pause, reflect and achieve a measure of calm, are even more valuable now.
Like all charities, Borderlands faces financial pressures as a result of the crisis. Planned fundraising activities have been put on hold and the charity’s organisers are aware that grant funding will be tight, as it has been for a number of years. Savings have been made but some costs, such as rent on its St Edward Street base, still need to be met.
However, Andy pointed out that a small pot of emergency funding from the Community Foundation of Staffordshire has paid for the Zoom subscription, a work smartphone and the additional postage needed at present.
Mark Johnson, a member of the Borderlands writing group, said: “I had a number of mental health issues when I came to Leek two years ago. Borderlands was invaluable in helping me address them in a welcoming and supportive environment.
“Perhaps the best experience of all was seeing new members joining the group and watch their confidence and creative ambition grow. Those people are now confident enough to provide support to other participants, even in the depth of the crisis.”
Andy added: “I’ve been delighted how participants have extended what they always do – support each other – in these new circumstances.”