‘PCHP has been amazing for me’
Pilton Community Health Project enters 2019 facing closure unless a rescue package can be found. Scotland’s oldest community health project – PCHP was established in 1984 – could close in March following Edinburgh Integration Joint Board’s decision to reject PCHP’s application for Health & Social Care funding last month.
PCHP has supported thousands of local people over it’s 34 year history – here are just a few of their stories:
Jane was referred to the link service as she was living with chronic fatigue and finding it difficult to manage day to day. After meeting with the link worker, a referral was made to Occupational Therapy and Jane was provided with walking aids.
Jane said: “Your support has been a lifeline – what a difference it has made! It has been invaluable and I don’t know where I’d be without this service.”
“I was in a bad place in my life till I met my link worker who helped me get my life back on track. She helped me by getting me out by meeting new people with boxersize classes and cooking classes run by Pilton Community Health Project. Now I have 2 jobs and meeting new people all the time and I’m in a better place in my life all through that help.”
Lulu has been coming to PCHP for over two and a half years. She found out about us when she went to a back to work interview and she was asked what she liked to do. She said she liked to cook but didn’t think she was very good. She said the first time she was going to come along she almost called to say she was sick as she was scared of going somewhere new and meeting people she didn’t know.
Now, Lulu says she would be lost without PCHP.
Lulu said: “PCHP was so friendly from the first time I walked in. I am always learning something new, learning to cook, and managing on a budget. Its relaxed, comfortable and a good group of people.
“My friend had her benefits stopped and I got her some food from PCHP (sharing shelves) as she was too low to come herself. I showed my daughter what it was like here and she started coming. She loves it. I have met new people, learnt new things and even people who I met here in the cooking groups have helped me when I have been ill.
“I went to the caravan in Seton Sands that was organised by PCHP. I was having a tough time and just wanted to get away. It was my first break in three years. I took my daughter and my grand-daughter. I came back more relaxed and I am eating better.
“PCHP has been amazing for me.”
Karen has been involved with PCHP for over three years. She heard about us through her Family Support Worker and eventually gained enough confidence to walk through the door.
Karen said “PCHP is like a family – friendly, open minded. As soon as I came through the door, I just got on with my life.
“PCHP has made a big difference to my life. I never used to go out due to depression and anxiety. I’ve got lots of support, it has opened my eyes to healthier living and eating, feeling better and feeding my kids better. I’ve made new friends and even been on training courses here.
“My life would be so different of PCHP wasn’t here. It would knock me back. Due to this place I have my life back.”
(Karen is a lone parent with four children)
Jen has been coming to PCHP for about two years. She started coming when her daughter was just eight weeks old when her health visitor told her about PEEP. She also comes to the monthly Women Supporting Women drop ins.
Since coming to PCHP, Jen says: “I am much more confident, I can get out and about. PCHP helped me get back into the community and get to know other mums. It’s a warm, welcoming environment and I feel part of the community. PCHP has been a lifeline for me.
“I can’t believe PCHP could close. I’ll be gutted about this if the support isn’t here. Its invaluable to feel part of the community. It would be devastating for everyone and a great loss.
“I’ve made friendships from here and it’s nice to be able to give back now. I ran a wreath workshop this morning, two years ago I couldn’t have done that.”
Diane has been coming to PCHP for over 8 years.
Diane says that she had lost two sons when she first came here, and she recently lost another son just two years ago. She had a really difficult time and didn’t come out her house.
“I come here every week to the cooking groups and have made friends and we go out together to other places now. I get great support as I can’t read very well. I started cooking and baking. I didn’t think I could do it but I did.
“I really love it here. I’ve discovered things I didn’t know I could do. I’m now cooking and baking at home. If it shuts down I don’t know what will happen to me.”
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