New events aim to aid mental health

NEW monthly mental health drop-in sessions are being launched in Ross-shire in a bid to "break the silence and end the stigma".

The founders of the peer support group Serenity are now offering their assistance starting at the Milnafua Hall in Alness.

Co-founder of Serenity, Carlie Borthwick, said: "My hopes for the new drop-in session is to get people involved and make people realise that mental health is in the public eye."

"At the moment we have not decided on a name for this new group but I feel Serenity is probably too feminine."

Fellow co-founder Vivienne Mackie said: "There is currently not a lot of support for people with mental health conditions in the Ross-shire area and the hope is for this group to provide some form of help.

"I would encourage people to pop along, break the silence and end the stigma as this is how things will change in rural parts of the Highlands."

The sessions are for anyone over the age of 18 with a mental health condition. There will be a six-month trial period in which the group will continue if it proves to be a success. Miss Borthwick and Mrs Mackie hope that after the six month trial period those at the Milnafua Hall will be in a position to take over from their lead.

The drop-in sessions will take place once a month but the founders of Serenity have said if the community wishes to host the sessions more often after the six-month trial period that will be their decision to make.

Serenity currently offer female-only drop-in sessions but this is the first time it will be open to males and females.

Miss Borthwick said: "We have not previously offered drop-in sessions for men as well but we believe there is a need the new support group that we have started."

The activities offered are similar to general drop-in sessions for women that Serenity holds every Saturday at the Pentecostal Church in Inverness. The purpose of the drop-in session will be to provide a non-judgemental atmosphere for people to share their experiences and offer support.

The next drop-in session in Alness will take place on Thursday, November 15 from noon to 2pm.