Thurso pop-up hub will highlight mental health issues

MENTAL health issues will be highlighted at a pop-up hub which is being held in Thurso on Saturday. The event is being organised by Susie Sutherland and takes place in the town's Royal British Legion club in Riverside Road.

Susie, who has lived with mental issues most of her life and is a carer for her daughter and son, said: "I want to bring some positivity regarding mental health and highlight the agencies which are available within Caithness.

"I am holding the hub with help from HERE for Caithness, Caithness Voluntary Group as well as Listening Ear. There are, at least, 10 agencies attending to show what they have to offer locally."

HERE for Caithness is a digital guide which provides help, education and resources for everyone's mental health. Listening Ear offers compassionate support for people facing challenges affecting their mental health while the Caithness Voluntary Group assists the voluntary sector and supports groups such as Befriending Caithness, Caithness Rural Transport, HERE for Caithness and Listening Ear.

Susie, who is 59 and lives in Thurso, explained that people have been experiencing difficulties following the Covid pandemic while there is worry also about the impact of the looming energy crisis.

"I want to raise awareness around mental health issues and hope a lot of people turn up to see what is available locally," she said.

"In the evening, there is going to be live music to lift people's spirits. It will be provided by several local artistes, including John Holmes, Colin 'Phoenix' Manson, Dougie Shearer and Colin McPheat.

"People can get a chance to relax at night and listen to the music. I just want to bring people together after the last two years of Covid restrictions and lockdowns and raise awareness of mental health issues," she added.

The event is being held on October 1.

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