A community mental health support center will open at the Eastgate Centre
Centred, a mental health charity in the Highlands, will open its doors to Recovery College on Wednesday (July 17).
Based on the first floor of Eastgate Shopping Centre, it will be known as Discovery College and is the first of its kind in the Highlands.
It is designed to support mental health by creating a community space with opportunities to learn and increase awareness of health and mental health.
Key to the success of this model are ‘peer supporters’ who have their own life experience and can therefore relate to the mental health issues they seek support from Discovery College.
Sue Lyons has been appointed director of Discovery College and is passionate about the college’s ability to make a difference to many members of the local community who are socially isolated or who could benefit from learning to cope with life’s challenges. and health problems. improve their quality of life.
Sue explains: “Discovery College is for everyone and there’s a very good reason we chose to be in Eastgate, in the heart of the community. People of all ages and backgrounds visit the Center every day and many face difficulties for a variety of reasons, from struggling to make ends meet, loneliness and isolation or having problems. of their mental health.
“We are here for everyone. No inspection or shipping required. Our doors will be open every Wednesday and everyone is welcome to come in, meet other people, have a tea or coffee, take part in some of the classes we will be running or chat and feel part of a supportive community. .”
During the summer, Discovery College will offer art classes and there will be an area with books, jigsaws and board games for people to pass the time. The college will also be a mobile phone free zone to encourage people to socialize in the real world.
In partnership with Mhor Collective, Discovery College will also provide digital and health support. Visitors will be able to get one-on-one support to improve their digital skills and will also have the opportunity to borrow electronic devices from the device library.
Anya Martus, project leader of the Mhor Collective adds: “Many people feel intimidated by the digital world and a lack of digital skills and knowledge can worsen the situation for those who already feel bang. We want to help people connect with friends and family online and better understand how to find online services that can improve their lives.”
Starting in the Fall, there will be a variety of courses and development opportunities available including self-care, finding your voice and improving conversational skills. Each course will be delivered by subject experts and often collaborates with other organizations such as the NHS and Penumbra. Each course will have a peer supporter assigned to provide support and a friendly face to course registrants.
Chris Kershaw, manager of Eastgate Shopping Centre, believes the opening of Discovery College is a huge milestone for the centre: “We are delighted to see Centered Discovery College open its doors at Eastgate on July 17. We are proud to support important education so much. at our facility. ”
The college is based on a rural Canadian model that has proven successful in other countries around the world including Scandinavia, Australia and England.
Discovery College will be open every Wednesday from 10am to 4pm with the aim of opening three days a week by the end of the year.
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