Transforming mental health support in Angus
From GP surgeries to schools, a peer-led approach is helping people feel heard, supporting mental health recovery and easing pressure on NHS services.
Commissioned by Angus Health and Social Care Partnership, Penumbra’s South Angus Peer Support Service for people aged 16+ runs from five local GP surgeries. They also offer peer support for young people aged 11–15 in South Angus secondary schools.
Key points from the film
1. High engagement & flexible support
The service offers over 100 peer-led appointments a week, blending one-to-one sessions and small group workshops tailored to people’s needs.
2. Lived experience at the core
Peer Workers draw on their own recovery journeys to foster connection, empathy, and trust — supporting others through a non-medicalised, person-led approach.
3. Rapid access to help
People are typically contacted within 3 working days and offered an appointment within 14 — often much sooner — beating traditional waiting times.
I can imagine for people coming along to the service that’s a great relief, you know, to hear that it will be a few days rather than, you know, weeks or months at a time for support – Jim McEvoy, Peer Support Mental Health and Wellbeing Worker
4. Holistic role of Peer Workers
Peer Workers assist with emotional regulation, problem-solving, making referrals, and building links to community resources that combat isolation and anxiety.
5. Proven impact and longevity
What began as a grassroots idea in 2016 is now a commissioned service with renewed funding and more than 12,140 referrals across Angus.
6. Preventing escalation to intensive services
Early support often prevents the need for higher-level clinical interventions, easing pressure on NHS mental health services and saving resources.
7. Embedded in multidisciplinary teams
Peer Workers are part of daily Enhanced Community Support Mental Health Hubs — working alongside clinical teams to match people with the right support at the right time. Teams involved include:
- Community Mental Health Teams (CMHTs)
- Angus Integrated Drug and Alcohol Recovery Service (AIDARS)
- Angus Psychological Therapy Service
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Peer Support
- Community Link Workers
The GPs seem to really like it because we work as a wellbeing hub. So we come together as a group, including psychology, drug and alcohol team, et cetera. We come together every day.. –Jim McEvoy, Peer Support Mental Health and Wellbeing Worker
8. Enhanced information gathering
Peers help clarify vague referrals by having meaningful conversations, giving a clearer picture to guide decisions around support.
9. Addressing real-life stressors
Common reasons for referral include anxiety, low mood, bereavement, work stress, sleep issues, and relationship challenges — real problems people face every day.
10. Supporting recovery, not just treatment
This model champions hope, connection, and personal agency — helping people move beyond crisis and into mental health recovery and wellbeing on their own terms.
And I think for me, my dream would be that the service just almost, sounds ridiculous to say, like an infinite amount of funding. But you know, I mean, if we move away from that sort of commission-based thing and actually it’s just sort of like a fully funded service that continues because I think it is and has been that valuable to the community of Angus. I think it’s something that should be around forever — Steve Hardie, Assistant Service Manager for Penumbra Angus Wellbeing Services
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- This film and associated resources were developed as part of Scottish Recovery Network’s Peer Connects programme — Thanks to Angus Health and Social Care Partnership, Penumbra, and to Jim and Steve for their time and valuable insights.
