Highland Mental Wellbeing

Moniack Mhor - Creative Writing for Care Experienced Workshop
2024-09-11 14:00 - 17:00 (Europe/London) | WASPS Inverness Creative Academy, IV2 3JP
Are you care experienced and aged 14-30?
Join Scottish author Jenni Fagan and Aotearoa (New Zealand) poet essa may ranapiri for a workshop exploring different forms of creative writing.
Jenni and essa will guide you through a series of exercises on poetry, micro-fiction, and writing from life. This will be followed by an open conversation on writing, where you can ask Jenni and essa about their writing life and experiences, such as how they filter real life, where they find inspiration for their work – and any other questions you might have.
This workshop is free to attend for care-experienced people aged 14-30.
Booking is required, below.
Snacks and drinks will be provided during the break.
If you have any queries please email us on vicky@moniackmhor.org.uk or edel@moniackmhor.org.uk.

KoothTalks webinar for World Suicide Prevention Day (online)
2024-09-10 16:00 - 17:00
Interested in knowing more about accessible support options for Suicide Prevention & Awareness? Kooth are running an online webinar for this on:

Tuesday 10th September, 4-5pm
Thursday 12th September, 10-11am

The webinar will cover the following:

An overview of how Kooth.com and Qwell.io work as free, online, anonymous, same-day mental health support service, and how you can signpost to us
Other support services, such as Andy’s Man Club, and an exploration of some resources available to promote Suicide prevention and awareness
What suicidal feelings are and why anyone might experience them
A message of hope
Steps you can take if you, or someone you are supporting, is feeling suicidal
Q&A

Click here to book one of the dates below:
Tuesday 10th September, 4-5pm
Thursday 12th September, 10-11am

Mikeysline Open Day for World Suicide Prevention Day
2024-09-10 10:00 - 17:30 | The Hive, Mikeysline, 4 Strothers Lane, Inverness, IV1 1LR, United Kingdom
Mikeysline are opening up “The Hive” for an open day on Tuesday 10th Setpember 2024 for World Suicide Prevention Day.
Agencies: 10:00 – 11:30
Public: 12:00 – 14:00
Staff and volunteers: 16:30 – 17:30

World Suicide Prevention Day - Change the Narrative
2024-09-10
World Suicide Prevention Day 2024 – Change the Narrative is a call to action to “Start the Conversation”.
The aim of the theme is to raise awareness about the importance of changing the narrative surrounding suicide and transforming how we perceive this complex issue. Changing the narrative requires systemic change. It’s about shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support.
This call encourages individuals, communities, organizations, and governments to engage in open, honest discussions about mental health and suicide. By starting conversations, we can break down barriers and raise awareness, check in with a friend or loved one, share personal stories and advocate for mental health resources and support services. Every conversation, no matter how small, contributes to a more supportive and understanding society.
We have a range of training available around suicide awareness which can help to “Start the Conversation”

Check back for confirmed details including:
Mikeysline will be opening up The Hive for an open day.
Kooth will be running a Suicide Prevention Day webinar.

Prevent Suicide Highland app
This is a suicide prevention app available to people in Highland.
It contains information on urgent help, safety planning, local services, helping others and suicide information.
The app can be downloaded for mobile devices at:

Google Play Store
Apple App Store

Highland Well-Ness Collective
2024-09-08 10:30 - 14:00 | WASPS Inverness Creative Academy, IV2 3JP
Join us for a fun-filled preloved clothes sale, featuring extra stalls with delicious baked goods, relaxing facial massages, FM perfumes, a lucky dip, beautiful art prints, and more!
All proceeds support our free counselling scheme, ‘pay if forward’
Come shop second hand, donate, and support a great cause!
Highland Wellness Collective

National Schizophrenia Awareness Day
2024-07-25
National Schizophrenia Awareness Day on 25 July shines a light on the everyday challenges the millions of people living with a diagnosis of schizophrenia face and how we can tackle the stigma and discrimination around it.
Find more information about the awareness days and the realities of living with schizophrenia at National Schizophrenia Awareness Day (rethink.org)

Scottish Mental Health First Aid (SMHFA)
2024-06-25 - 2024-06-26 | Pultney People’s Project, KW1 5BA
Scotland’s Mental Health First Aid, on 25th & 26th June 2024 at Pultney People’s Project, Wick 9.30am to 5pm each day and attending both days, and this is offered, on this occasion, at £89.65 per person, and includes tea/coffee. Participants would need to take along/purchase their own lunch.

The following is a brief outline of what is covered on the course, which is available for people supporting others:

guidance on being a Mental Health First Aider
attitudes to mental health issues
equalities
the recovery message
the impact of alcohol and drugs on mental health
introduction to suicide intervention
listening skills
understanding depression
how to offer first aid to someone experiencing depression
understanding anxiety
how to offer first aid to someone experiencing anxiety
understanding psychosis
how to offer first aid to someone experiencing a psychotic episode.

The course does not train people to be mental health workers. It offers basic general information about mental health problems. The knowledge presented and understanding developed in the course helps to remove stigma and fear and to give confidence in approaching a person in distress.

Mental Health First Aid is an initial response to distress and all participants on the course understand that this help is given only until other suitable or professional help can be found.

For booking, please contact lindabirnie@thinkingspace.scot

Forest Bathing and Laughter Yoga
2024-06-22 10:00 - 12:00
Join Tree Vibes and Thinking Space for the benefits of forest bathing and laughter yoga.
Sign up here: https://forms.office.com/r/V8K6m103TW or contact lindabirnie@thinkingspace.scot. Invest 2 hours of your day and £25 for a revitalising and relaxing session. Terms & conditions apply.

Walk a Mile in Their Shoes
2024-05-26 15:00 - 17:00 | 5SH,, Bught Rd, Inverness, 5SH,, Bught Rd, Inverness, 5SH
WALK A MILE IN THEIR SHOES in INVERNESS
Sunday 26th May 2024 at 3pm
Please join with Mikeysline and other local charities & groups for the 10th annual Walk a Mile along the River Ness and through Inverness City Centre.
This event is family friendly and open to participants of all ages. Feel free to bring any banners or signs to show your support.
The walk starts at 3pm so please try to arrive at least 5 minutes beforehand.
The meeting point is on the grass near the Fishermen’s Hut beside Bught Park on the corner by Ballifeary Care Home on Ness Walk. (See Google maps – https://maps.app.goo.gl/9mVGud8MxaWSAYHW6)

The walk route takes us along by the riverside to Ness Bridge, up Bridge Street and High Street, before heading down Inglis Street to finish at Falcon Square.
Please note due to the ongoing roadworks along Ness Walk and Bught Road, vehicle access is not currently available at the meeting point.

In-Person Training Event: Suicide Intervention and Prevention Programme (Invergordon)
2024-05-16 09:00 - 13:00 | county community hospital, Invergordon, Saltburn Rd, Invergordon, IV18 0JR
Who this is for:
Staff who have patient, client, service user, or public contact and who have had no previous suicide awareness training or last training was more than three years ago.
Course delivery:
This course is delivered in a single 4 hour session.
Learning aims:
The aim of this course is to improve awareness of suicidal thinking and to increase their confidence to ask someone if they are feeling suicidal, and to support them to seek further help. In person training will allow for more of a focus on building practical skills such as listening skills and asking the question “Are you suicidal?”
Learning outcomes:
By the end of this course, you should be able to:
recognise a person at risk of suicide
ask about suicide including the essential listening and questioning skills
Describe the impact of attitudes to suicide
Identify local services available to help with suicide prevention.

Book online through TURAS:
Suicide prevention : suicide intervention and prevention programme (SIPP) | Turas | Learn (nhs.scot)

Mental Health Awareness Week 13th to 19th May 2024
2024-05-13 - 2024-05-19
Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 will take place from 13 to 19 May, on the theme of “Movement: Moving more for our mental health”.
Being active is important for our mental health. But so many of us struggle to get enough exercise. We know there are many different reasons for this, so this Mental Health Awareness Week we want to help people to find moments for movement in their daily routines. Going for a walk in your neighbourhood, putting on your favourite music and dancing around the living room, chair exercises when you’re watching television – it all counts!

Check Mental Health Awareness Week | Mental Health Foundation for more information and resources.

Green Health Week 11th to 18th May 2024
2024-05-11 - 2024-05-18
Taking time to enjoy your local outdoor green space could bring you huge health benefits – getting outdoors is good for your physical, mental, and social well-being. Regardless of age and ability, there really is something for everyone, including groups and organisations in your local area that can support you.
You may not be the “outside type” but we aren’t talking mountain climbing and adrenalin sports here, we’re talking small steps to make a positive change. It could be anything from a walk to the local park or some windowsill gardening (you can bring the outside indoors too!)

Find activities throughout Highland at Green Health Week 2024 – Think Health Think Nature

Stress Awareness Month 2024
2024-04-01 - 2024-04-30
Little by Little, a Little Becomes a Lot

The theme #LittleByLittle highlights the transformative impact of consistent, small positive actions on over-all wellbeing. The Stress Management Society this year for Stress Awareness Month want to emphasize how even the smallest steps taken each day towards self-care and stress reduction can yield significant improvements in mental health over time.
We encourage you to focus on making manageable adjustments to your daily routine. While the impact of small actions on their own may seem little, the cumulative effects of these habits can end up being profound!

Connect with someone
Are they okay? ∙ Are you okay? ∙ Check in with your support network ∙ Connect with someone new ∙ A sense of belonging and community can help reduce feelings of loneliness.
Go outside – Spending time in nature is an excellent coping strategy for dealing with stress – try a short walk after work.
Get moving – Get moving any way you want to. This can be walking, running, yoga, stretches, gardening , any that gets you moving.
Be mindful – Get absorbed in what you’re doing – notice you’re senses when doing activities you enjoy.
Breathe deep – Deep breathing has been shown to help with stress reduction and relaxation.
Prioritise sleep – Make small steps to improve your bedtime routine. Wind down before bed by minimizing your screen time, make your bedroom a ‘tech-free’ zone, create a clean and restful environment, jot down what’s on your mind and set it aside for tomorrow, avoid caffeine after 4pm.

Access further resources at: Stress Awareness Month 2024 – The Stress Management Society
OR
Stress and how to cope with it – Mental Health UK (mentalhealth-uk.org)

When to see your GP about your stress levels
If you’ve tried self-help techniques and they aren’t working, you should go to see your GP. They may suggest other coping techniques for you to try or recommend some form of counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy.
If your stress is causing serious health problems, such as high blood pressure, you may need to take medication or further tests.
Mental health issues, including stress, anxiety and depression, are the reason for 1 in 5 visits to a GP.

World Bipolar Day 2024: Share Your Diagnosis Story
2024-03-30
World Bipolar Day is on the 30th March. This year, we are marking it by inviting people living with bipolar to share the story of their diagnosis.
In Scotland, on average, it takes people living with bipolar 9.8 years to get an accurate diagnosis. We want to change that: the first, vital step, will be gathering your stories. We’re hoping these stories will both challenge public stigma and encourage healthcare providers across Scotland to ask the right questions.
You can opt to share your diagnosis story by video or to write it down. We are also more than happy to have your video transcribed or post your written story anonymously – we won’t share your name or image anywhere without your consent.

If you want to learn more about bipolar, visit:
Bipolar Scotland – Scotland’s charity for people living with bipolar
Or complete a short elearning course at:
Bipolar courses online (bipolaruk.org)

Smoking: Improving Mental and Physical health Achieving Cessation Targets (IMPACT) Training
2024-02-22 14:30 - 16:30 | Online
The aim of this course is to equip workers who support people with experience of mental health problems with the knowledge, skills and confidence to initiate a conversation on smoking, and to discuss options for supporting people who are ready to quit.

Delivered by NHS Highland in partnership with ASH Scotland.

Learning outcomes:
By the end of this course, you should be able to:

Explain the links between smoking and mental health, and the effect that smoking has on specific mental health medications

Initiate discussions on smoking, including the practical application of tools and techniques

Outline the importance and relevance of your role in discussing smoking with people who have lived experience of mental health illness, as well as your role in providing ongoing support

Provide an overview of local stop-smoking support options, including behavioural support, nicotine and non-nicotine containing products (which can assist in a quit attempt).

How to book:
Courses are booked through NHS Highland using Turas Learn. To register for the training, click on the Turas link below:

Smoking : Improving Mental and Physical health Achieving Cessation Targets (IMPACT) | Turas | Learn (nhs.scot)

If you don’t have a Turas Learn account, you will need to visit the registration page. This video demonstrates how to create your own account.

For any enquires or bespoke training request please email katy.allanson@nhs.scot

The aim of this course is to equip workers who support people with experience of mental health problems with the knowledge, skills and confidence to initiate a conversation on smoking, and to discuss options for supporting people who are ready to quit.

Delivered by NHS Highland in partnership with ASH Scotland.

Learning outcomes:
By the end of this course, you should be able to:

Explain the links between smoking and mental health, and the effect that smoking has on specific mental health medications

Initiate discussions on smoking, including the practical application of tools and techniques

Outline the importance and relevance of your role in discussing smoking with people who have lived experience of mental health illness, as well as your role in providing ongoing support

Provide an overview of local stop-smoking support options, including behavioural support, nicotine and non-nicotine containing products (which can assist in a quit attempt).

How to book:
Courses are booked through NHS Highland using Turas Learn. To register for the training, click on the Turas link below:

Smoking : Improving Mental and Physical health Achieving Cessation Targets (IMPACT) | Turas | Learn (nhs.scot)

If you don’t have a Turas Learn account, you will need to visit the registration page. This video demonstrates how to create your own account.

For any enquires or bespoke training request please email katy.allanson@nhs.scot

Time to Talk Day
2024-02-01
Time to Talk Day is the nation’s biggest mental health conversation. Happening every year, it’s a day for friends, families, communities, and workplaces to come together to talk, listen and change lives.
Time to Talk Day 2024 will take place 1 February 2024. It’s run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness and is being delivered in partnership with Co-op for the third year running. Across the UK, it’s delivered by See Me in Scotland, Inspire in Northern Ireland and Time to Change Wales.
The more conversations we have, the better life is for everyone. Talking about mental health isn’t always easy and sometimes it’s even harder to say how you really feel. But a conversation has the power to change lives.
Time to Talk Day is the perfect opportunity to start a conversation about mental health.
Resources and activity ideas available on the See Me website

Mental Health Improvement, Self-Harm and Suicide Prevention Masterclass 2023
2023-12-12 11:00 - 12:00 | Online
NHS Education for Scotland and Public Health Scotland have the pleasure to invite you to join a
masterclass led by See Me, Scotland’s national programme to end mental health stigma and
discrimination, exploring the impact of mental health stigma on access to and experience of
healthcare.
The 1-hour online session, which will be hosted via MS Teams on Tuesday, 12th December 2023 at 11.00am, provides the opportunity for those working and supporting mental health within their roles to hear a range of views from the See Me panel of experts by experience and health care leaders:
“Turning the tide on mental health stigma and discrimination”
Registration information
If you would like to ask the panel a question, please include this within your
registration application.
Please book your place now via the registration link:
https://forms.office.com/e/NFdnDa2XqY (This form will close on Sunday 3rd December)
Participants will learn about See Me’s latest research into experiences and impact of mental health
stigma, particularly in relation to mental illness, on access to and experience of mental health
services and physical healthcare. Participants will also hear from See Me’s lived experience
volunteers and mental health professionals about how we can take action in our roles to end
stigma and break down these barriers to healthcare

Suicide Prevention: Suicide Intervention and Prevention Programme (SIPP)
2023-11-09 10:00 - 2023-11-16 12:00 | Online
Bookable course online via Teams (2 x 2 hrs). Attendance at both sessions is required.
Session 1 – Thursday 16th November 2023 10am-12pm
Session 2 – Thursday 9th November 2023 10am-12pm
Courses are booked through Turas Learn. To register for the training, click here.If you don’t have a Turas Learn account, you will need to visit the registration page. This video demonstrates how to create your own account.
Please make sure you can attend both Session 1 and 2 before booking your place.
There is an option to add to the waiting list if fully booked

Discover Digital Free Drop-in Session
2023-10-23 11:00 - 13:00 | Muir of Ord Hub, The Muir Hub Cafe, Great N Rd, Muir of Ord, IV6 7SU, United Kingdom
Want to make more of digital technology, but lack confidence?

Nervous to ask ‘silly’ questions?

Struggling with your devices?

Bring along your devices and ask our team of digital helpers any questions you have around making technology work for you.

West Highlands & Skye : How to Listen Webinar
2023-10-11 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
Samaritans are hosting a programme of webinars for the West Highlands & Skye – raising awareness of emotional health, suicide, self-harm, how to seek and provide support, as well as an introduction to listening skills.
There are five webinars in the series:

Emotional health and wellbeing
Challenging myths about suicide
Self-harm
Staying resilient
How to listen

Each session will include an introduction to Samaritans and then focus on a specific theme, sharing ways to contact or signpost to Samaritans. There will also be the chance to find out more about volunteering opportunities with Samaritans in the West Highlands and Skye area.
This webinar will cover:

Introduction to Samaritans
Signs of vulnerability
Initiating a supportive conversation
Active listening
Supporting the person – not fixing the problem
Samaritans: how we can support you

Sign up here: How to Listen Webinar Tickets, Wed 11 Oct 2023 at 13:00 | Eventbrite
How can I contact the organiser with any questions?
For urgent enquiries on the day call 0208 394 8349 or email externaltraining@samaritans.org

The Highland Carers Roadshow - Fort William
2023-10-05 11:00 - 14:00 | Waverley House, Fort William
Are you a Carer?
The Highland Carers Roadshow is coming soon to spread support among unpaid carers in the Highlands.👐
From September 20th to October 5th, NHS Highland is working with other organisations to host a series of FREE events which recognise and support unpaid carers in the community.
Thousands of people in Highland have caring responsibilities. Many don’t realise there is support available. Everyone is welcome to drop into any of the events and bring the person or people they care for. Free refreshments will be provided on the day.☕
Need more Information?
Contact Lori MacKellar
E: lorimackellar@carrgomm.org
P: 07966565138

West Highlands & Skye : Staying resilient
2023-10-04 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
Samaritans are hosting a programme of webinars for the West Highlands & Skye – raising awareness of emotional health, suicide, self-harm, how to seek and provide support, as well as an introduction to listening skills.
There are five webinars in the series:

Emotional health and wellbeing
Challenging myths about suicide
Self-harm
Staying resilient
How to listen

Each session will include an introduction to Samaritans and then focus on a specific theme, sharing ways to contact or signpost to Samaritans. There will also be the chance to find out more about volunteering opportunities with Samaritans in the West Highlands and Skye area.
This webinar will cover:

The connection between emotional health and resilience.
The potential impact of stress on resilience and wellbeing – and how to recognise and respond to warning signs of stress.
How negative ‘self-talk’ can impact self-esteem and resilience.
Practical strategies to strengthen our personal resilience.

Sign up here: Staying Resilient Webinar Tickets, Wed 4 Oct 2023 at 13:00 | Eventbrite
How can I contact the organiser with any questions?
For urgent enquiries on the day call 0208 394 8349 or email externaltraining@samaritans.org

The Highland Carers Roadshow - Skye
2023-10-03 11:00 - 15:00 | Portree Community Centre

Introduction to Mental Health and Wellbeing Training
2023-10-02 13:00 - 2023-10-12 16:00 | Online
Bookable course online via Teams (1 x 3 hrs).
Who this is for: Everyone working in any health, social or community care setting with no experience of training in mental health and well-being. This course is open to all sectors within the NHS Highland Board area.
Learning outcomes:
By the end of this course, you should be able to:

Describe what mental health is and what contributes to it positively or negatively
Identify signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety and the impact of stigma and discrimination
Demonstrate effective communication
Signpost people to support and help Describe the importance of recovery

Courses are booked through Turas Learn. To register for the training, click here. If you don’t have a Turas Learn account, you will need to visit the registration page. This video demonstrates how to create your own account.
There is an option to add to the waiting list if fully booked.

The Highland Carers Roadshow - Aviemore
2023-10-02 11:00 - 15:00 | Cairngorm Hotel, Aviemore

Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival Highland October 2023
2023-10-01 - 2023-10-31
The Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival Highland is an annual event organised in partnership with local artists, groups and organisations including Creativity In Care, Centred, Mikeysline, Befrienders Highland, HUG (Action for Mental Health), Highland Mindfulness Group, Ewen’s Room, N4H, Rag Tag n Textile (Skye), North Coast Connection and High Life Highland.It’s part of the Scotland-wide festival (https://www.mhfestival.com) overseen by the Mental Health Foundation which aims to support the arts and challenge stigma and preconceived ideas about mental health.
This year the festival theme is ‘Revolution’ which was chosen by the nationwide teams to reflect a desire – in the midst of turbulent political and economic times – to address the impact of economic barriers and social inequality on mental health. It also reflects the ambitions at the Mental Health Foundation to identify the changes we need to make as a society to achieve good mental health for all, with a focus on those who are at greatest risk.SMHAF 2023 will be an exercise in ‘art as activism’, with a programme designed as a collective statement and manifesto for social change.What kind of ‘revolution’ would you like to see? What needs to happen for everyone to have the opportunity to live mentally healthier lives? How can we be more radical when it comes to mental health and the arts?
We also have a Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/SMHAFHighland/
For more information or how to take part, please contact SMHAF Highland co-ordinator Graeme Watson on smhafhighland@gmail.com

The Highland Carers Roadshow - Thurso
2023-09-29 11:00 - 17:00

An Crudh, First Aid for Youth Mental Health Training
2023-09-29 09:30 - 17:00 | An Crùbh, An Crùbh, Duisdale Beag, Sleat, Isle of Skye, IV43 8QU
One day face to face training in First Aid for Youth Mental Health (scqf level 5), free of charge and open to those who want to learn more about supporting young people with their mental health. Including young people aged 14 years and over and adults.
This training will help you to learn new skills to support young people with supportive conversations & signpost them for further help.
An Crùbh, Sleat, Isle of Skye Fri 29th Sept 9.30am to 5pm
Further Information and how to book available here: An Crudh, First Aid for Youth Mental Health Training Tickets, Fri 29 Sep 2023 at 09:30 | Eventbrite
With Mikeysline https://www.mikeysline.co.uk/ and Thinking Space.

The Highland Carers Roadshow - Golspie
2023-09-28 12:00 - 14:00 | Fountain Road Hall, Golspie

Gairloch, First Aid for Youth Mental Health Training
2023-09-28 09:30 - 17:00 | Gairloch Community Hall Near Sports Centre, High School & Library Gairloch IV212DN, Gairloch Community Hall, Near Sports Centre, High School & Library, IV212DN
One day face to face training in First Aid for Youth Mental Health (scqf level 5), free of charge and open to those who want to learn more about supporting young people with their mental health. Including young people aged 14 years and over and adults.
This training will help you to learn new skills to support young people with supportive conversations & signpost them for further help.
Gairloch Community Hall Thurs 28th Sept 9.30am to 5pm
Further Information and how to book available here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/712676483547?aff=oddtdtcreator
With Mikeysline https://www.mikeysline.co.uk/ and Thinking Space.
