Your stories
Here you will find stories from people living and/or working in Midlothian about their own experiences of mental health and wellbeing and the different ways they keep well.
By sharing our stories and the different way we thrive, we can learn from each other and inspire one another to take positive steps to look after our mental health and wellbeing.
If you would like us to share your story, please email midspace@health-in-mind.org.uk.
Greig’s story: “I learned to love myself again”
Connecting with people who understand can provide a lifeline. Here Greig shares his story of coming through loss and difficulty with help from ANDYSMANCLUB.
Art and craft for wellbeing: It’s “life changing”
Ross shares how creativity can be a powerful way to support wellbeing. Health in Mind’s art and craft group offers a welcoming space to try something new.
A chat with VOCAL: Being outdoors “makes you feel good”
Spending time outdoors is a powerful way to keep well and connect. This Green Health Week, VOCAL share how they support carers to spend time in green spaces.
Kat from Into Work: “We know how important work can be for people’s mental health”
Into Work support disabled and neurodivergent people, and those with long-term health conditions, to achieve their employment goals and potential. We asked Kat, a Lived Experience and Training Lead at Into Work, to share a bit about how their Aut Support Works! Service is empowering autistic jobseekers.
A chat with Autism Initiatives UK: “You understood me before I understood myself”
Rachel from Autism Initiatives UK shares how Number 6 One Stop Shop is empowering autistic people to connect, boost their wellbeing and build self-confidence.
Tom’s journey with Sporting Memories Scotland: “Loneliness is such a horrible thing”
Sporting Memories Scotland brings older people together in a supportive environment to build confidence and connection. Hear the difference it made for Tom.
Simen from Bridges Project: “Our young people go on to do amazing things”
Simen from Bridges Project shares how they are helping disadvantaged and marginalised young people in Midlothian overcome barriers and reach their potential.
James from The Warblers: “It’s a safe space”
The Warblers provide singing groups for people who experience breathing difficulties. James shares how he got involved and the benefits they’re seeing.
Glenda’s story: “I’ve learned I can travel most places by bike”
Interested in cycling but not sure how to get started? Connecting Communities is run by Cycling UK, and here the team shares participant Glenda’s journey.
A chat with The Cold Water Therapist: “Swimming outdoors has been my saviour”
Jenny found relief and healing in the power of cold water. We had a chat with Jenny to hear about the work she does and how they keep themselves well.
A chat with HcL Transport: “It gives me independence”
HcL is about more than transport, they help you access the people and places that matter most. Hear from Dolina how they support wellbeing and connection.
Green health prescribing with Cyrenians: T’s story
“I have more confidence engaging with different people.” Hear T’s journey in the Green Activity groups as a volunteer in the Cyrenians’ Community Garden.
Green health prescribing with Cyrenians: M’s story
“I was accepted as myself with all my struggles, faults and qualities.” Read about M’s journey in Green Activity Sessions with Cyrenians as a participant.
Green health prescribing with Cyrenians: S’s story
We’re celebrating services using time spent in nature to keep well. Here the Cyrenians team share the impact Green Activity Sessions had for participant S.
The community of MYPAS: “A sense of belonging”
To celebrate Mental Health Awareness Week, team members from MYPAS explore what community means, and how they can create it for young people they support.
A chat with Sporting Memories Scotland: “Loneliness is such a horrible thing”
Sporting Memories Scotland brings older people together in a supportive environment to build confidence and connection. Hear the difference it made for Tom.
A chat with Held in our Hearts: “This is a safe space”
Losing a baby can feel isolating and like no one understands. Heather from Held in Our Hearts shares a bit about the work they do and how they keep well.
Scottish Veterans Residences: “This place gave me my first chance”
Watch this mini-documentary to hear from veterans how one-to-one support has empowered them to turn their lives around and find purpose. Produced by Rob Waugh.
Kirsty’s story: 30 years of caring
To mark 30 years of VOCAL supporting carers, we are sharing stories of carers whose caring journey and journey with VOCAL have stood the test of time.
Reading is Caring with Scottish Book Trust: “People feel closer to the person they care for”
Reading is Caring offers personalised workshops for anyone who is caring for someone living with dementia. Hear how it can help people connect and find peace.
Salvesen Mindroom Centre: “We see a future that values all kinds of minds”
To shine a spotlight on services celebrating neurodiversity, we reached out to Andrew to hear about Mindroom’s work with young people, families, and workplaces.
Green health prescribing with Health in Mind: “I have been happier within myself”
Ross from Health in Mind shares how being outdoors allows us to be present, reduces anxiety, and resets our internal clock to help with sleep and general mood.
Green health prescribing with Ageing Well: “Connecting with people is so important”
Natasha from Ageing Well shares some of the benefits of spending time outdoors as a way to keep well, from mental health to building connections and having fun.
Men’s Mental Health Month with Joseph from Health in Mind
To celebrate Men’s Mental Health Month, we had a chat with Joseph in Recovery and Justice Support to hear about their peer support for people in recovery.
Men’s Mental Health Month with Kenny from ANDYSMANCLUB
“It has transformed my life.” Hear from Kenny at ANDYSMANCLUB about the peer support they offer and how they’re helping men through the power of conversation.
‘Through the day,’ a poem by Fiona
A poem reflecting on themes of mental health and wellbeing, being outdoors in the open air, and enjoying the little pleasures from Midlothian resident Fiona.