JULIE MARKER: Optimism as we go into new year with new ideas to benefit wellbing in Caithness
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As this year comes to an end, I wonder if it is one you will be sad to see end or if it is one you will be glad to see the back of?
When I think about mental health and wellbeing, I am always struck by the polarities in Caithness. On one hand, we are in desperate need of enhanced services, driven by skill, experience and compassion.
Anyone with experience of mental illness will understand how important it is to not only access ‘support’, but it needs to be timely, kind and unhurried. Families worried about relatives experiencing ongoing emotional pain long for ‘something’ to help their loved ones.
On the other hand, I am in awe at the amount of work under way to make a difference to wellbeing – befriending services, day centres, youth clubs, peer-to-peer support groups, listening service, sharing sheds, recovery support, the new women’s hub, support for carers and much more.
Today I am reflecting on all of the work under way through the Caithness Cares partners. Looking back over this past 18 months, the work that has gone into shaping a supportive network for this county is incredible.
I think about the new mentors in schools helping young people with their worries and sometimes pessimistic about future prospects. I’m delighted with the weekly peer-to-peer support groups that meet to blether, cook, craft, play pool and find support in a safe and supported context.
The Caithness Drug and Alcohol Forum recently appointed new people who are determined to improve outcomes and give people the support they need. I could go on an on.
I have attended meetings that are ‘talking shops’ and anyone who feels frustrated with services will understand me when I say, how difficult can this be? How hard can it be for people to find help within their local community? Without waiting lists. Without having to travel to Inverness. Without having to rely on transport. Where they can access support once they have dropped the children off, or indeed take young ones with them?
Today I am feeling optimistic. I went to a meeting and the group was invited to imagine a community wellbeing hub… we were asked, what does it look like? Attendees from different backgrounds including public sector staff and charity representatives worked together to reach consensus on what this conceptual hub would look like.
My mind jumped to the idea of a warm and welcoming building that anyone could walk into and easily find activities and services that would help with anything, including loneliness, parenting, grief, dementia, ASD, healthy eating, stress, domestic abuse, menopause or a multitude of other circumstances and conditions that impact our mental health and wellbeing.
Together we considered the best use of a community building to generate maximum use and impact. What is so great, is that the community is invited to get involved, we have an opportunity to shape something that in a relatively short space of time will offer inclusive, practical support.
The culmination of all of the work that has occurred over the past couple of years will imminently come to fruition. The partnerships and networks are there, as is the willingness to work together. I am hopeful that the time is right. With investment from Highland Council things are going to improve for us.
The Caithness Place Based Demonstrator Project is inviting individuals, parents, older people, young, working people, unemployed, students, whatever your background, to get involved. Your input is invaluable.
Please think about how you would repurpose community buildings to directly improve community wellbeing. If you would like to participate in the planning process, please join one of the gatherings either online or in person. It means sharing your thoughts and ideas about what should be found in a wellbeing hub.
When thinking about wellbeing, maybe your mind goes to childcare, psychiatric support, personal training, yoga, benefit advice or something entirely different. What matters is you have your say!
Fast forward to 2025, your community has a new wellbeing hub, what would it look like, what would you find there?
Planned pop-up events will take place online, in person in Wick, Thurso, Castletown and Lybster in January and February. We will be posting further information in the Friday Bulletin and on HERE for Caithness’s social media.
If you would like to chat about being involved contact Julie@cvg.org.uk
- Julie Marker is HERE For Caithness project lead and chair of Caithness Cares, part of Caithness Voluntary Group.
