Acharacle hosts launch of wellbeing telephone helpline
THE last Saturday in January saw Ewen’s Room Winter Warmer being held in Acharacle Community Centre.
This year, the well-supported annual gathering featured the official launch of the newly established Ewen’s Room Telephone Helpline, with the ceremonial handover of the funding cheque.
Supported by the National Lottery Awards for All, the helpline is run and staffed by trained, locally-based volunteers who can relate to the issues of social isolation and loneliness experienced by many individuals in communities.
The helpline provides a supportive, discreet and beneficial service for people who have nowhere else to turn.
With elements of befriending for those who just need a chat or other emotional support, it also acts as an emergency helpline for anyone in crisis.
Ewen’s Room promotes mental health and wellbeing in Ardnamurchan and Morvern in West Lochaber, and also hosts weekly sociable drop-in sessions in Strontian, Acharacle and Kilchoan.
It was established by Malcolm and Rosie Gillespie, following the death of their son, Ewen, who lost his battle with schizophrenia in 2008.
They couple told us: ‘This very welcome Lottery grant allows us to offer support to those in our community who are unable, or unwilling, to access adequate care from existing services.
‘Hopefully the helpline will help people to cope better with their problems, and to avoid the kind of misery and tragedy that befell our son.’
Ewen’s Room has the backing of community healthcare professionals, who have welcomed the launch of this alternative form of local support, particularly for those challenged by loneliness, depression or other chronic wellbeing issues.
Ewen’s Room aims to provide information and support for those affected by mental health issues within the communities of Ardnamurchan, Moidart, Sunart and Morvern (West Lochaber).
It also delivers mental health awareness sessions to pupils at Ardnamurchan High School and several local primary schools.
The organisation’s aim is to complement local NHS mental health service provision whenever possible.