In 2021 Lesley McWilliam, a Mental Health Support Worker from local charity Independent Living Support (ILS), decided to follow up on her idea: if we could put people on a better path to recovery, what would happen? Lesley wanted to know what effect might be felt if people who suffer from traumatic life experiences such as abuse, care experience or drug misuse could have better opportunities at understanding their mental health recovery.

Three years later Lesley has made significant headway in the field of mental health recovery in Dumfries and Galloway, working with other groups in the local Third Sector.

One such group is The Scottish Recovery Network (SRN) who provided well researched evidence relating to lived trauma experience and recovery, as well as support and guidance on implementing good practice for organisations. This gave ILS confidence to carry out a pilot project in 2021 for “peer-to-peer” support, bringing people together with lived experience to aid recovery.

The peer-to-peer group was formed, with participants all at similar stages of their recovery and development recruited into the peer project after an initial discussion and permissions were given. Each programme took place over 12-weeks with new recruits provided with insight at the different stages that can aid their recovery. Topics covered include but are not limited to what recovery is and means, what peer support is, use of language and communication, self-management, and using their experience effectively. In 2021 and 2022 Lesley completed two 12-week programmes with adults, with a further two made available in 2022 and 2023.

Each group participant is supported one-to-one, which is an essential component of the approach to ensure that any feelings triggered through the 12-week programme are addressed. It is a priority that participants have a safe space where they are listened to, and where relapses can be dealt with.

Lesley felt at an early stage that partnership working with an organisation focused on substance misuse would benefit the project, so We Are With You (Dumfries branch), due to their collaboration and focus on recovery, were a perfect fit! This also meant that We Are With You were able to make referrals to the project.

Since 2021 the project has continued from success to success, and in 2023 some of the original peer-to-peer group participants branched out to create Building Healthy Foundations, an additional asset in supporting people’s recovery journey at community level. ILS have secured funding from the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund to expand the project in Dumfries and Galloway, including extending peer-to-peer groups to youth clients. In April 2024 the first youth participants (pictured) graduated from the programme. Each 12-week programme caters for around 10 participants with 4 programmes planned over the year. ILS have started to accept referrals from other agencies locally.

Evaluation from the programme is gathered from participants during the middle of their experience with the project, and then again at the end. ILS also plan to follow up 6 months after the graduation point to measure longer-term impacts for individuals to ensure positive client outcomes.

From the modest hunch of a charity support worker some valuable work has been progressed on a very small start-up budget of just £650 which was donated by Dumfries and Galloway NHS Endowment Fund in 2021.

Perhaps a valuable lesson here for all organisations is that it isn’t always about the money, but about the drive and vision of our staff; recognising and acting on staff insight is truly valuable to all. Creativity is often a key factor to help solve some of the most complex challenges and is process which deserves more attention and time!

For further information about our peer work contact: Lesley@ils-dumfries.co.uk

Claudine Brindle, Chief Officer, D&G Carers Centre (Carers Centre), joined their team meeting to discuss the support and services that are available for carers.  Referrals, self-referrals, applications to the Carers Centre can be made via their website.  A new pathway has been agreed between the Carers Centre and OOH SW which ensures any urgent referrals are actioned at the earliest opportunity by the Carers Centre promoting a range of outcomes for carers and their families.  The Carers Centre receives input from a member of staff from the Citizens Advice Bureau, providing invaluable benefit advice to carers. 

There is a Carers Hub at Dumfries & Galloway Royal Infirmary where information and support can also be accessed.

Carly Wearing, Client Support Advisor, Social Security Scotland (SSS), provided an excellent PowerPoint presentation to OOH staff.  The presentation detailed the benefits which are available for people with children under sixteen, disabled people, carers, young people entering the workplace, people who need help paying for a funeral and people who need help heating their homes.  Carly also discussed regular drop-in sessions held in Dumfries at YMCA, Lochside Road, Dumfries (every Thursday 9:30am–12:30pm), and Dumfries & Galloway Royal Infirmary (the last Wednesday in each month 10am–3pm) which OOH can signpost people to for further support, or direct to SSS if the person consents.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service offer everyone in Scotland free Home Fire Safety visits.

The benefit of this is that it will enhance fire safety in your home. You will be taken through a questionnaire and then you will be helped to prepare a fire escape plan. Information can be provided about smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarms.

Another option is to complete the online home fire safety checker. Doing this will provide a document with tailored fire safety advice for a household.  

Referring someone for a visit:

If you know someone over the age of 50 who smokes and either lives alone, has mobility issues or uses medical oxygen, the Scottish Fire & Rescue service need your help to identify them.

You can ask them to get in touch or if you are a family member or a carer you can refer them. The Scottish Fire & Rescue Service will undertake a home fire safety visit where possible.