“We can do it better together!”
We are delighted to announce the launch of Living Well North Edinburgh, which is the result of a merger between the Pilton based PROP Stress Centre and the Clermiston based Threshold Mental Health Project. Both organisations are user-led mental health organisations with shared values and aims. Most importantly, the belief that:
The people who use our services are seen as themselves rather than the state of their mental health.
- The content and delivery of our work is all led by and responsive to our Members needs.
- Our services are community based.
The new organisation is called Living Well North Edinburgh.
Consultation with our members shows that we’re on the right track as they say:
- We make people feel included
- We listen to people
- PROP is there when you need it – we all need someone there
- The different methods we use help people get over the barriers they face
- We reduce the stigma of mental health
Councillor Paul Edie, Health Leader, City of Edinburgh Council, said: “I am delighted that both organisations are coming together to provide the people of North Edinburgh with even greater support, whilst protecting existing services already in place. This is a great example of a local neighbourhood service that is working to help people feel valued and included, giving them back some control over their lives. It is increasingly important to work within communities to help people manage and maintain a positive and healthy wellbeing.”
Living Well was officially launched last month by Linda Irvine, Strategic Programme Manager, Mental Health and Wellbeing, NHS Lothian, and Ian Waitt, Manager, North Mental Health Services, the City of Edinburgh Council. Linda says “We’ve worked closely with both these projects over a number of years and I have no doubt our positive work together will continue. The work carried out by community-based organisations is invaluable in helping to build mentally healthy communities across Lothian.”
Living Well North Edinburgh, (LWNE), is a user-led community mental health service open to people aged 18 and over, who have mental health concerns and live in North Edinburgh.
At Living Well, we specialise in providing group support activities designed to build confidence, unlock people’s creativity, help people learn new ways of dealing with stress and combat the stigma of mental health difficulties. Services are open to people with mental health concerns who live inNorth Edinburgh, an area affected by social exclusion, high unemployment, low educational attainment and poor health and wellbeing. 140+ people benefit from our services each year. This has recognised benefits for their family, friends and their local community.
The merger will protect both existing services and provide members with access to a wider range of activities in Pilton and in Clermiston.
When we asked our members what they valued about both organisations they said:
“A lifesaver for me” – “and for me too” and “me too” “and me too…..”
All the members especially value mutual help, sharing experiences and supporting each other in solving problems.
Our new name was chosen for us byShulah Allan, MBE, former Director of EVOC and of Edinburgh Association for Mental Health, from suggestions made by our members.
Services will continue to be provided in our Pilton Centre, 4 days a week and in the local community centre 2 afternoons a week in Clermiston.
Living Well North Edinburgh is funded by the City ofEdinburgh Council, NHS Lothian, the Miss Agnes H Hunter’s Trust, the Lloyds TSB Foundation forScotland, the Nancie Massey Charitable Trust and the Scotmid Foundation.
For more information contact:
Penny Richardson, Manager, Living Well North Edinburgh
Monday – Thursday – 9 am to 4pm 0131 343 6375
Direct email pennyrichardson@livingwellnorthedinburgh.org.uk
Living Well North Edinburgh, 5 West Pilton Park, Edinburgh EH4 4EL 0131 343 6375
