Mindfit thanks community for its support

Fort William-based Mindfit is sending a massive thank you to the community for its support as well as reminding people the group is there for them.

 

Formed in August 2019, Lochaber Mindfit offers peer-to-peer support for residents of Lochaber with the express purpose of providing emotional help at difficult times for people who have been affected by anxiety, depression or suicide, whether through their own personal experience or a family member or friend.

 

Lochaber MindFit chairperson/facilitator Susan Archibald said: "NHS highland has the highest rate of suicide and we will continue to provide our community with a safe place to come and talk and also train people to become more confident in helping those in crisis.

 

"We all know what an amazing community we have that pull together when we desperately need it."

 

In December last year staff at the Belford Hospital held a ball and donated the proceeds of the raffle to the group, while organisers of a model show at the Nevis Centre also donated some of their proceeds.

 

Having benefited from the service herself group user Sam MacDonald, along with Ceri Ewing and Susan Archibald, took the plunge in order to raise funds as a way to say thank you.

 

"Mindfit came into my life when I was struggling with my mental health," Sam told us.

 

"From the moment Susan came out to the car park where I'd been sitting crying, too scared to take the step to go in, I felt reassured.

 

"She put no pressure on me but encouraged me to go in and see if the group could help.

 

"Inside I was met by a lovely bunch of warm welcoming women with no judgement but listening ears and offering some good advice and tips."

 

From there Sam, Ceri and Susan started a small wild swimming group on Sundays in Loch Oich.

 

"This, too, was of great benefit to my mental health," added Sam.

 

"I enjoyed it so much I decided to keep doing it all year and that's how the idea of doing a 31-day Cold Water Challenge came to me.

 

"I was able to push myself out my comfort zone."

 

Lochaber Mindfit has a men's group every Monday evening from 7-9pm and a women’s group every Tuesday at the Braxi Hall, Inverlochy.

 

There is no waiting list or appointment system. If you are 18+ and are finding life difficult then go along and meet the team.

 

Susan added: "This year has been extremely tough and there have been some extremely sad events and losses to suicide.

 

"For me, personally, it always opens up old wounds and I feel the family's pain, so I’m reaching out to ask everyone to spread the word that Lochaber Mindfit is there for you.

 

"The group is always on the lookout for more volunteers to help with facilitating and committee work.

 

"We would love to move forward and become a registered charity, so any help would be greatly appreciated."

 

The swimming group is called Nevis Dippers and can be found on Facebook.