Gainsborough: Putting people on pathway to mental wellness

Pathway to Wellness, which is run by the Riverside Access and Training Centre and funded by the Mental Illness Prevention Fund, aims to help people help themselves to get well again.

“One in four people will experience some form of mental health issue in any given year,” said Gainsborough wellness coach Catriona Paton.

“This could mean a person has low confidence, feels socially excluded, anxious or depressed.”

“This programme aims to support people in the early stages of developing these issues before they escalate further.”

“We want to catch them and help them before they get onto that downward spiral.”

People can join the project at any time, and will have access to regular one to one confidential support, monthly interactive workshops and regular activities.

“The programme is not about therapy or counselling, it is all about coaching” said Catriona.

“People have to take ownership of their condition and have to want to make a change to their lives.”

As well as the one to one coaching with Catriona, people can take part in workshops and events, to help them re-engage with society, meet new people and try new things.

“We will also be organising a number of activities and social events for the people in the group,” continued Catriona.

“But members will decide themselves what they want to do, whether it be a game of rounders in the park or a trip to the cinema.”

“We will also create a buddy system to group together people with similar interests.”

“We want people’s lives to change, by getting qualification or getting back into work if that is the right thing for them,” she added.

The service is completely free of charge and is open to anyone living in Gainsborough.

People can refer themselves, and don’t have to go through their GP or any other medical professionals.

But it is not just individuals that the programme is seeking to help.

“Part of what we want to do is talk to organisations and clubs to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues,” said Catriona.

“We also want to target male dominated areas, as men often are more reluctant to talk about mental health problems.”

If you are part of an organisation such as a football club, gym or informal group, and would like a mental health coach to talk to your members just call the centre and ask for Debbie or Catriona.

To get more information about the project and to have an informal chat call 01427 677277.