Peer recovery hub

Community-based peer support groups

East Lothian is welcoming the emergence of a growing number of Keep The Heid peer support groups.

Emma Jackson, a local resident, identified the need for spaces for people to meet and support each other. She recognised that many people were dealing with suicidal feelings, social isolation, and loneliness especially post-Covid.

Emma realised there was a gap in available help. That time between reaching out for support from formal mental health services and actually getting to access them. She felt that the answer could lie in the local community and so Keep the Heid was born.

Keep the Heid started off as a lockdown daydream and the aim was just to make people feel just a bit better. The impacts we are having on users have far exceeded this with some describing the service as a ‘lifeline’.

For others Keep the Heid has become an essential part of their week and participants can take comfort in knowing there is a safe space they can offload in 51 weeks of the year.

Emma Jackson, Founder

What to expect at a group

Starting in Haddington in November 2012, with additional sessions group now in Tranent and North Berwick on the horizon, the groups share a similar format. People identified that evenings living in a rural community can be lonely, so the groups deliberately start at 7pm. This also means they are more accessible to many who work during the day. The group is laid back with a loose structure.

• A group agreement creates a safe space and is shared at the start of each session.
• A short meditation brings people into the space followed by time for people to share what is going on for them.
• A break for tea and cake is followed by another period of sharing, this time focused on what is going well for people.
• The groups close with a meditation.

A sense of community and connection

People attending value the opportunity to come and meet with others. They ‘feel safe’ and ‘heard’. Whilst the groups are facilitated, people are encouraged to get involved which enables a sense of ownership. Opportunities to formally volunteer are encouraged for those who want to take on more responsibility. This builds capacity allowing the groups to grow and flourish. In a short time, a sense of community and connection has evolved. A recent evaluation report demonstrates the impact on users;

It’s a wonderful thing to be able to share and learn that it’s ok to not be ok, and that with somewhere to go to be open and get things out there in a very trusting place is a true lifesaver for everyone who’s got difficulties.

Group participant

I’ve tried all the things but this group is the best thing that I’ve ever had, because there’s no expectation on you – I would recommend it to anybody. It’s welcoming, I was accepted straight away, there are no expectations, you never feel that you have to talk … I have sat there in tears, laughter at times. The support you get is amazing, knowing you’ve got that support on a Friday. Even if I have a really bad week, I know that come Friday I can let it out and get it out of my head.

Group participant

Partnerships are key

The challenge for any community-based peer group, is that it takes time and resources to develop. Community groups tend to not be on the radar of local mental health strategy planning. Emma has been clever in accessing pots of funding, fundraising in the local community and exploring partnership relationships. At the same time, she has raised the profile of Keep the Heid. Through the use of local media and key contacts, she has been able to highlight the positive impact of the groups as well as bringing them to the attention of the local strategic planners and the Scottish Government.

Keep the Heid are hoping to get up and running in Midlothian later this year and have already had requests from Fife and The Borders. Their  is growing and attracting interest and people keen to offer their skills. They are keen to develop partnerships in other areas though at a pace that is manageable.