Rural Community Gateway

What's your project?

"My volunteer has helped me look to the future and to have hopes and plans."

We all have interests and things we like doing. When we experience difficulties, it's easy to forget what these things are and it can be hard to have the confidence to get out and do them.

It's easier to take the first step to meeting new people, rediscovering interests and trying out new things when someone you feel safe with is there with you.

re:discover supports people to recover a sense of who they are by encouraging them to step outside their mental health difficulties and discover / rediscover activities and interests they enjoy.

re:discover aims to improve mental well being through increasing self confidence and self esteem, feelings of hope, belief and trust, and social skills. re:discover also aims to increase social inclusion through increasing community connections and social networks.

Matched with a trained volunteer for up to one year, we will support people to take the lead during their time with the project and set goals / dreams to work towards with the support of a volunteer.

Matches last for one year in order to promote independence and connections with the community rather than dependence.

Volunteers are community bridge builders:

• Building confidence and self esteem
• Providing opportunities for social contact
• Providing support in building relationships with others
• Encouraging people to take part in their local and wider communities

Where is it?

Eastern area of Scottish Borders, surrounding Kelso and Duns.

Who's involved?

Health in Mind manages the project. We have one part-time support and development worker, one part-time admin volunteer, one part-time manager, and a team of volunteers and people who access the service.

How is it funded?

The project is funded by the Scottish Borders Council.

When is it funded to?

We are funded to October 2009 and seeking ongoing funding and additional funding to roll out the project to cover the whole of the Scottish Borders.

Biggest achievement so far?

All of our volunteers are from the local community and many of them have their own experience of mental health difficulties, bringing a great deal of empathy, knowledge, and insight to their match.

Any downsides so far?

It is always a challenge to recruit volunteers, and volunteers are what makes re:discover so special. To meet this challenge we actively continue to promote the project and the volunteer opportunities within the community with posters everywhere, including the local Chinese Takeaway!

Any advice needed from Rural Gateway users?

We are looking to recruit both volunteers and people who might be interested in accessing the service – if you think being involved in re:discover could be a positive experience in your life we would love to hear from you.

The next volunteer training course will be happening soon, covering mental health and recovery awareness, boundaries, developing social networks, and confidentiality. 

Further Information

Get in touch with Kay or Lesley to find out more: 
Tel: 01573 228 518
Email: kay.divine@btconnect.com

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