Helping to break the stigma.
During the ‘Mental Health Awareness Week’, Graeme paid a visit to Reach Across to highlight the support on offer locally for those experiencing mental ill health.
Mental Health Awareness Week is a national week in the UK to raise awareness of mental health difficulties and promote positive mental health.
Reach Across was born in 2015 after the tragic loss of a loved one to suicide. Now a registered charity based in Arbroath, they voluntarily provide help and support for people who are experiencing mental health issues.
This year, the theme for the week is ‘Loneliness’. Across the country, people will be reflecting on loneliness and how it impacts our mental health. Long-term loneliness is closely linked to mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.
– Graeme
I was very pleased to meet with Sandra and some of the team at Reach Across during Mental Health Awareness Week. It was very encouraging to hear about all the fantastic work they are doing in providing support locally for those suffering with mental ill health, and to discuss ways in which we can raise awareness of the impact stigma has upon people who have mental health issues or disabilities.
I was particularly impressed to hear of the new approaches and collaborations they are using to help them engage with young men who may be struggling. I am sure this year’s theme of loneliness will strike a chord with many who felt lonely and struggled throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. I would encourage anyone in need of support to get in touch with Reach Across.
Overcoming loneliness and its effect on mental health cannot be achieved by the individual action of people alone. We must address loneliness together in our communities and across the whole of society.
Reach Across actively plan events and fundraisers to ensure that the people who need help can receive all the support possible. Due to overwhelming support from the local community, they now have their own premises named ‘The Haven’, which in turn provides a safe and confidential environment for people to express their thoughts and feelings.
Graeme visited Reach Across at their Arbroath premises, where he spoke with Sandra Ramsay and staff about the impact loneliness, particularly in relation to the pandemic, can have on our mental health.
– Reach Across
Reach Across were delighted to have a visit from Graeme Dey, MSP for Angus South Constituency on 13 May 2022. He was shown around the Reach Across premises and the new garden area by Sandra Ramsay, Founder, Manager and Volunteer at Reach Across. He was also introduced to a supported person and a trainee Counsellor.
Mr Dey was updated on the individualised support Reach Across provides locally to adults who are experiencing mental wellbeing difficulties, particularly young men, the feelings of stigma they feel and how best to combat this.
