Caithness survey shows people are unsure how to access mental health services
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A survey on mental health provision in Caithness has found that people are unsure how best to access services, while there is also concern about a lack of "after hours" support.
The community mental health survey was conducted by the Action Group for Social Isolation and Mental Wellbeing, a subgroup of the Caithness Covid-19 resilience effort. The aim was to present a current view of the accessibility and suitability of services in the county.
Julie Marker, of Wick-based Caithness Voluntary Group (CVG), who chairs the group, said: “We felt very early on that it was important to get an up-to-date snapshot of where we are now, in light of mental health needs that were present before the pandemic and how needs have changed in recent months.
"The survey results show that people are not sure where best to access services or what is available. Most people go to their GP when they are experiencing problems relating to poor mental health but often find that, beyond that initial support, the options are limited.
"Another major problem reported is the lack of support ‘after hours’."
The report is available from julie@cvg.org.uk
The action group recently set up a poster campaign, led by Jamie Robson, one of the members, showing local people holding up a sign reminding everyone that "it is OK to say you are not OK!" in an attempt to reduce the stigma of mental illness and to encourage discussion.
Police Scotland, which is represented on the group, is facilitating the printing of the poster for wider distribution.
The Aspiring Communities team at Caithness Voluntary Group, in collaboration with statutory, private and third-sector partners, and with the help of a local focus group, is working on a digital resource mapping out services that are available to people who are struggling with their mental health.
Julie, who is the project co-ordinator, said: "Our digital resource contains all kinds of contacts and activities relating to mental health, from preventative measures to crisis support and everything in between.
"We hope our website will allow people to see, at a glance, the type of helps that can be found on their doorstep.
"Caithness has some brilliant organisations that can support people to improve their mental health, whether they are young parents, people struggling with pain, young carers, those who are feeling isolated or any of a number of other issues that would benefit from additional support – the resource will map them out. The site will also have the latest news on statutory and private services that are available to local people."
The website is expected to be live in two to three weeks.
